This volume offers an introduction to comparative religion, exploring the essential elements and teachings of the world's predominant faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the native traditions of Australia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Emphasizing the inner, rather than the institutional, dimension of these religions, the author devotes special attention to Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, Sufism, and the teachings of Jesus. He conveys the unique appeal and gifts of each of the traditions and reveals their hold on the human heart and imagination. Includes a new preface to the 50th anniversary edition written by the author in January 2009, as well as a supplemental section on p. 401-431 of insights, interviews, and more.

First HarperCollins paperback edition published in 1958. Includes a bonus section, "Plus : insights, interviews, and more!" containing "Exploring religious frontiers," transcribed from the First Kern Lecture sponsored by the Theosophical Society in America", Bederman Auditorium, Chicago, Illinois, on April 18, 2002, [by] Huston Smith (pages 402-415) and "Huston Smith's search for wisdom in a bewildered world", by Richard Marranca, originally published in Shambhala Sun magazine, July 1997 (pages 416-431). Rev. and updated ed. of: The religions of man. 1958. Reprint of the Rev. ed. originally published: [San Francisco, CA] : Harper SanFrancisco, c1991 ; 1st HarperCollins pbk. ed. published in 1958 as "The Religions of man." Includes a bonus section, "Plus : insights, interviews, and more!" containing "Exploring religious frontiers," transcribed from the First Kern Lecture sponsored by the Theosophical Society in America," Bederman Auditorium, Chicago, Ill., Apr. 18, 2002, [by] Huston Smith (p. 402-415) and "Huston Smith's search for wisdom in a bewildered world," by Richard Marranca, originally published in Shambhala Sun magazine, July 1997 (p. 416-431).

Foreword (December 1998) -- Preface to the 50th anniversary edition (January 2009) -- Acknowledgements -- Point of departure -- Hinduism -- Buddhism -- Confucianism -- Taoism -- Islam -- Judaism -- Christianity -- The primal religions -- A final examination.