Product Description

This book traces the continuous history of the faith from the time it was preached by Zoroaster down to the present day - a span of about 3,500 years. First taught among nomads on the Asian steppes, Zoroastrianism became the state religion of the three great Iranian empires and had a remarkable influence on other world faiths: to the east on northern Buddhism, to the west on Judaism, Christianity and Islam. With the conquest of Iran by the Muslim Arabs, Zoroastrianism lost its secular power, but continued to survive as a minority faith. Despite its antiquity, it remains a living religion.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #230888 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 280 pages

Review
Answers a real need among students of religion ... informative, original and so eminently enjoyable ... - - Journal of Asian History

... an excellent series. - Isabel Wollaston, Univeristy of Birmingham, Reviews in Religion and Theology

About the Author
Mary Boyce is Professor Emerita of Iranian Studies at the University of London and is the author of a number of works on Zoroastrianism and Manicheanism.

Customer Reviews

A little classic
Boyce's book is a classic study in comparative religion. It is full of insights into the origins of Zoroastrianism, and how it strongly shaped all later religious traditions of the Western world. She shows how much of what Jews, Christians and Muslims commonly consider "fundamental" to their faith is borrowed from the Zoroastrians.

Just Right!
Goldilocks would like this book. It is perfect for the average reader as far as length, depth, and width of coverage of this topic. Not too deep and not too shallow but just right! In addition to general features of Zoroastianism it also has a large amount of information on ancient Persia as well as particularly strong emphasis on the usually neglected Parthian and Sasanian cultures. The coverage of the Parsis in the Indian subcontinent is also very well done. Highly recommended for the general reader who wants an accessible overall view of Zoroastrianism.

Great Book but the Title is a bit of a misnomer
This is an increcdible book about the history and development of the Zoroastrian religion from ancient times to the present. However, it is not simply an explanation of Beliefs and Practices. If you are unfamiliar with Zoroastrianism I suggest you read Nigosian's book THe Zoroastrian Faith first and then read this one. Boyce's book is the clearest and most well researched work on Zoroastrian religion and is a must for all interested in the relative subject matter.