This work is a classic example of research in the field of the history of religion .. Religious ideas are presented here not only in chronological order, but also united by a common understanding of the diversity of religious life of all cultures and continents. Eliade masterfully knows the methods of comparative anthropology and demonstrates the general trends in the development of religious ideas. The book is dedicated to the most dramatic and important period in the world history of religions. Its title, of course, does not cover the ecumenical breadth of the material that is set forth in the book. Ancient China and Hellenistic Egypt, European barbarians (Celts and Germans) and Iranian dualism - in fifteen chapters of this book, it seems, fit all the richness of the religious development of the Old World. At the same time, the title has an exact meaning, conveying the meaningful “rod” of the book: the formation of world religions, religions of salvation. The book gives a panoramic picture of the religions of salvation from Taoism to Christian Gnosis.