The Religious Ceremonies and Customs of the Several Nations of the Known World.

<<One of the most striking illustrated books of the 18th century.>> Composed with the object of summarizing religious views and practices worldwide, and written originally in French, this compilation contains valuable and early descriptions of many far-flung peoples. Volumes three and four are dedicated to "ceremonies of the idolatrous nations" with a large section focusing on Native American Indians. The descriptions of people and their practices are exhaustive, including ceremonies, languages, clothing and personal ornamentation, marriage, childbirth, death, etc. Native peoples of Canada, Virginia, Florida, Hispaniola, Mexico, Venezuela, the Caribbean and Peru all receive attention. The "idolatrous nations" section includes the Far and Near East and Africa. Western religions covered, include Judaism, Catholicism, along with Greek Orthodox Catholicism, as well as the Protestant and Anglican religions, and their minor sects.