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Editors of Encyclopedia of Sacred Sites and Religious Icons, a 3-volume reference work to be published by Facts on File, are seeking academic contributors. Most religions and belief systems have relics or holy places that help preserve the memory of the origins of their faith and ideas. Over time, these sites and objects have assumed a greater symbolic meaning or power beyond their initial function. Disputes over them have created controversy, caused wars, spawned myriad literary works and films, and captured the interest of scientists.
This definitive work will include 300 key sacred places and venerated objects from the religions of the world. Chapters will include Christian relics such as the Crown of Thorns, True Cross, the Holy Grail, the Shroud of Turin, Lourdes, and the seven heads of St. John the Baptist; Judaic relics such as the Ark of the Covenant, Solomon’s Temple Treasure, and Western (Wailing) Wall; Islamic sites and relics like the Ka’ba, the Prophet’s Mosque, and the Black Stone of Mecca; Buddhist sites and relics such as the Angkor Wat Temple, Holy city of Sarnath, and the remains of Buddha; and Hindu sites and objects like the Shankara Stones, the Footprints of Vishnu, and Gangotri. In addition to the major religions, astrological sacred sites such as Stonehenge, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Americas, and the geogylphs from areas around the world will be included, as will Shaman Totems and African funerary masks and fetishes. Secular venerated objects will consist of the Colossus of Rhodes, Statue of Zeus, the Forbidden City, Arch de Triumph, the Statue of Liberty, and others.
Each chapter will focus on one relic and will discuss its origin, purpose, history, cultural significance, feasts and pilgrimages, literature, legends, and the popular fascinations of the object. Approximately 4,200 words will be devoted to each sacred site or object. Chapters on relics with extraordinary importance or fascination, such as the Holy Grail, will be considerably longer.
Contributors will receive full editorial credit and a modest cash honorarium for some authors, depending on contribution length.
If you are interested in participating in this exciting reference project, please contact the editors at iconhistory@yahoo.com. Include information concerning your field of expertise and publications.
The deadline for the project is March 31, 2006.
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