Description
Book SynopsisPilgrimage is found in most religious cultures, from Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and India, to France, Spain, and Japan. In this Very Short Introduction Ian Reader explores the key themes of pilgrimage throughout the ages, considering its various forms and its identity as a 'spiritual tourism' industry, to explain why it has remained so popular.
Trade Reviewa stimulating introduction to an important feature of all religions. * Church of England Newspaper *
The author has successfully written a little book on a much needed topic, especially for urban dwellers nowadays. This is a high recommended 'very short' introduction to the subject. * Josaphat C. Tam, The Expository Times *
Table of Contents1. Introduction: the multiple forms of pilgrimage ; 2. Examining pilgrimage: forms, types, and interpretations ; 3. Pilgrimages worldwide: a global and historical outline ; 4. Motives and means: Asceticism and the package tour ; 5. Tourism, entertainment, relics, and souvenirs ; 6. Modern developments, secular sites, and the reshaping of pilgrimage ; 7. Conclusion: an ever-changing phenomenon ; Further reading ; Index
