This is a great place to explore world religions as the writing style is aimed at the general reader. A typical profile surveys the beliefs, worship and origin of a religion or denomination. Encyclopedia of Religion . This 16-volume set, edited by Mircea Eliade, provides a comprehensive treatment of all religions. It is the best work of its kind.
Entries are long and include bibliographies.
A Reader's Guide to the Great Religions . Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics . Similar in scope and arrangement to the above but a bit dated. New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge . Includes entries on all religions and religious leaders, biblical theology, sects, denominations and churches.