Culture encyclopedia

Examines the origins, development, and modern-day practice of some of the world's major religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and others.

Presents examples of performing arts around the world in several categories, providing color and black-and-white photos and briefly discussing advancements in each field. Covers such areas as opera, ballet, the circus, the origins of drama, and film special effects.

Presents examples of legends and myths from around the world, summarizing them and providing color illustrations. Includes such categories as creation myths, mythical monsters, historical heroes, and myths that teach, amuse, and warn.

Examines the origins and development of a variety of instruments and musical styles throughout the world, and includes information on famous composers and musicians.

Describes important developments in literature's history, providing color and black-and-white illustrations and covering such areas as the novel, poetry, drama, children's books, and science fiction.

Presents an illustrated introduction to the history of design, discussing its application to houses and furnishings, architecture, tools, clothes, weapons, and in many other fields.

Presents an illustrated introduction to the history of visual art, looking at the purposes for which art has been used, examining changing styles and techniques, and discussingdifferent types of art, including painting, photography, sculpture, and others.