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"This rich and engaging book looks at instances of sanctified violence, the holy wars related to religion. It covers it all, from ancient to present day, including examples of warfare among Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists, as well as Christians, Jews and Muslims. It is a comprehensive and readable overview that provides a lively introduction to the subject of holy war in its broadest sense—as 'sanctified violence' in the service of a god or ideology. It is certain to be a useful companion in the classroom, and a boon to anyone fascinated by the dark attraction of religion and violence." —Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, Santa BarbaraContents:Introduction: What Is Holy War?•Chapter 1: Holy Wars in Mythic Time, Holy Wars as Metaphor, Holy Wars as Ritual•Chapter 2: Holy Wars of Conquest in the Name of a Deity•Chapter 3: Holy Wars in Defense of the Sacred•Chapter 4: Holy Wars in Anticipation of the Millennium Epilogue: Holy Wars Today and TomorrowAlso included are a description of the Critical Themes in World History series, Preface, index, and suggestions for further reading.

Alfred J. Andrea is Emeritus Professor of History, The University of Vermont, and general editor of Hackett's Critical Themes in History series. His other books with Hackett include The Medieval Record: Sources of Medieval History, Second Revised Edition, and Seven Myths of the Crusades (co-authored with Andrew Holt and part of Hackett's Myths of History series).Andrew Holt is Associate Professor of History, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and one of the series editors, along with Alfred J. Andrea, of Hackett's Myths of History series.