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 Barbara. Contents: Introduction: What Is Holy War?; Holy Wars in Mythic Time, Holy Wars as Metaphor, Holy Wars as Ritual; Holy Wars of Conquest in the Name of a Deity; Holy Wars in Defense of the Sacred; Holy Wars in Anticipation of the Millennium; Epilogue: Holy Wars Today and Tomorrow. Also included are a description of the Critical Themes in World History series, Preface, index, and suggestions for further reading.