This research companion edited by Frazier (Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, UK) addresses key themes and debates, recent theoretical perspectives, methodological tools, and other issues intended to aid students and scholars in furthering their research into Hinduism, one of the world's great religious traditions. She emphasizes Tantric traditions at the expense of the Vedas, arguing that the Vedic conception of Hinduism has improperly received far more attention, relative to respective influence, than Tantric ideas and practices in the literature. In addition to the "key themes, etc." mentioned above, she includes chapters on the history of Hindu studies, regional perspectives and local traditions, future directions of the field, and study resources. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)