The Portable World Bible presents the fundamental tenets of the world's basic source religions. Contemporary readers are offered, in concise,  authoritative translations, the religious thought of the ages, selected, interpreted, and arranged in view of modern man's quest  for ultimate truths and values. Robert O. Ballou, the volume's editor, has omitted mere stories, history, and ceremonial detail; what remains in every case is the essence of religion, set down with a clarity and simplicity never before achieved. The Portable World Bible is an unparalleled work of poetic and ethical inspiration, a book that makes a deep appeal to the mind and spirit.