Geography of Religion: Where God Lives, Where Pilgrims Walk

by Susan Tyler Hitchcock, John L. Esposito, Desmond Tutu

From its introduction by Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu to the epilogue by the Dalai Lama, Geography of Religion encourages new understanding of the world's great religions and of their evolution from ancient roots to vital roles in modern life. With a text as fascinating as it is authoritative; vivid photographs that evoke the reverence, rituals, and rewards of each spiritual tradition; and a rich variety of essays, sidebars, and maps, this magnificent book charts the many paths that guide us to God.

Chapters on each of the 5 major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—explore the landscapes and cultures where they took hold and flourished. Eminent scholars share the faiths they live and study, revealing their sacred scriptures and rites. Every page offers new insights into religious history and doctrine, along with stunning images of believers at prayer, the holy places they cherish, and their houses of worship—from soaring cathedrals and magnificent mosques to humble shrines infused with a blessed simplicity.

Fittingly, each chapter closes with a photo-essay on pilgrims and their devotional journeys—a wonderful visual reminder that no matter which faith we may embrace, we are all fellow travelers in our search for the truth.

"The 200 photographs demonstrating the diversity of architecture, people, and terrain, are stunning in their beauty and simplicity." —Publishers Weekly

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Reference, Geography, Anthropology, History, Psychology

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Susan Tyler Hitchcock is an American author, editor, and former educator whose work spans memoir, biography, cultural history, and science writing. With a Ph.D. in English from the University of Virginia, she began her career in publishing in the 1970s and taught humanities to engineering students at UVA for a decade. Her first book, Gather Ye Wild Things, launched a prolific writing career that includes Coming About, a memoir of a family sailing journey, and Frankenstein: A Cultural History, which explores the enduring legacy of Mary Shelley's monster. Hitchcock has also written acclaimed biographies of figures such as Mary Lamb and Karen Horney.
Since 2007, she has served as a senior book editor at National Geographic, developing titles focused on nature, science, and culture, and contributing her own writing to many of them. Her editorial work includes Geography of Religion, co-edited with John L. Esposito, which received praise for its balanced, richly illustrated approach to world religions.
Hitchcock's writing is distinguished by its depth of research, narrative clarity, and ability to make complex topics accessible to broad audiences. Whether chronicling personal adventures, exploring literary history, or guiding readers through scientific landscapes, she brings curiosity, insight, and humanity to every page. She lives in rural Virginia, where she gardens, explores nearby forests, and continues to write and edit. Her book Into the Forest, published by National Geographic, reflects her deep connection to the natural world and her continued passion for storytelling.

Reviews

[Dustin Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geography of Religion is a book of beautiful photographs that accompany the history and geographic spread of the world's major religions. It is respectful of all the traditions it depicts, and I got a lot out of reading it, learning how each religion has a roadmap to the good life, and I came to appreciate different religions as well as my own more.

[Jonathan Z. · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a dangerous book. It's presented as a menu of "chose the way you want to live and there are no consequences". No debate. No honest portrayal of nearly any religion. The authors gloss over huge theological holes and only present a rosy picture and do nothing to critically examine the truth claims. It reads like a travel brochure. I was heavily disappointed.

[Mariann · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really interesting and just a beautiful book! It was just so amazing experience to get through and get to know more and more about the biggest and most influencial religions' history, culture and main teachings. I was always fascinated by religions and faith in general, I love to learn about all of it. I have this book on my shelves for so long now, I always wanted to read it, but I have never just sit down and did it. So I am really happy that now I experienced it finally. I t is absolutely a beginner level, it is an introductory book, but that was what I wanted from it. I am pretty sure I will continue to learn aboutt the topic, because I am highly interested in it.

[Sylvia]

I am enjoying this very much so far - I only read a few pages here and there. I love the focus on geography and history to give a better understanding of the primary world religions and how they have evolved. I love the inclusion of the photographs - somehow draws a much more personal connection with the believers

[Bendick Ong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction with lots of apt and beautiful pictures, this book displays the wide variety of religions around the world - from their origins to present day denominations. It was my main reference book when I lectured on cross-religions comparison.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great essays and photos, and I personally learned a lot about Buddhism. What more can you expect from National Geographic?

[Annika Nordquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it would be a quick read because of all the photographs... it was not.

[Luke Krzysztofiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating look at all of us.