The two-volume Encyclopedia of Monasticism describes the monastic traditions of both Christianity and Buddhism with more than 600 entries on important monastic figures of all periods and places, surveys of countries and localities, and topical essays covering a wide range of issues (e.g., art, behavior, economics, liturgy, politics, theology, and scholarship). Coverage encompasses not only geography and history worldwide but also the contemporary dilemmas of monastic life.
Recent upheavals in certain countries are highlighted (Korea, Russia, Sri Lanka, etc.). Topical essays subtitled Christian Perspectives and Buddhist Perspectives explore in imaginative fashion comparisons and contrasts between Christian and Buddhist monasticism. Encyclopedia of Monasticism also includes more than 500 color and black and white illustrations covering all aspects of monastic life, art, and architecture.
Biography
William M. Johnston
"Stands alone in offering broad and deep coverage of Buddhist and Christian monastic places, concerns and controversies, ideas, spirituality, social dynamics, and practices. A superb resource for historical, cross-cultural, sociological, and phenomenological studies." -- Choice
"This magnificant work on monasticism is the first of its kind... the first time under one cover that an extensive encyclopedic work is dedicated to monasticism in both the Christian (Eastern and Western) traditions, with Buddhist traditions treated on a par... It is recommended for all library collections: academic, college, convent, monastery, public, seminary, and theological." -- Catholic Library World
"Johnston and his editorial team have produced an excellent central resource for the world history of monasticism. This work is highly recommended for junior college and college and university libraries, in addition to any reference collection pertaining to religious history." -- American Reference Books Annual
"Withdrawal from society and its cares is a hallmark of monastic life, but this is not to say that monastic seclusion has had no infuence on the broader society. The contributions of monastics to art, architecture, agriculture, philosophy, theology, and even the brewing of beer are immense. The Encyclopedia of Monasticism presents these contributions as well, making it a reference tool of use to interests other than religion. Highly recommended for all academic and large public libraries." -- Booklist/RBB
