Historical Dictionary of Jainism.

• Author: Kelting, M. Whitney
• Position: Brief article - Book review

Historical Dictionary of Jainism. By KRISTI L. WILEY. Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements, no. 53. Lanham, Md.: THE SCARECROW PRESS, 2004. Pp. xl + 287, plates. $65.

Wiley's Historical Dictionary of Jainism is an invaluable resource in keeping track of the multitudes of Jain terms and personages--a challenge often contributing to the hesitation of scholars and students to enter into the study of and/or dialogues with Jain materials. The entries are well written and carefully researched. The volume is remarkably comprehensive, and Wiley makes sure to include sectarian contestations in the understanding of any entry. The dictionary includes biographical information for key Jain historical figures, specifics about the many Jain sectarian groups throughout history, details about the most popular Jinas and guardian deities, definitions of key philosophical, institutional, and ritual terms, and the names and significances of Jain pilgrimage sites. Entries are cross-referenced with alternate spellings or names and other entries. The...