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Synopsis The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peoples and Cultures of the World is the first comprehensive encyclopaedia seeking to present in totality the peoples and cultures of the world. It is unique as it covers in fascinating detail every aspect of peoples of the world, their general characteristics, beliefs, traditions, customs, art, music, architecture etc. supplemented by meticulously drawn illustrations. It is the result of careful observation through research and years of travel and is the first authoritative study of the peoples of different well known countries of the world and little known far-flung islands and their several cultures including their origin and evolution. It has abstained from the traditional format of alphabetical order and chosen chapters so as the allot each group of people enough space to highlight their contribution to the evolution of mankind; in this sense it is without parallel. This encyclopaedia does not rest content with describing peoples and their cultures but provides further information on how a settled culture undergoes changes when it faces an alien culture. The most notable features of this encyclopaedia are: the interplay of forces of land, climate and environment in the formation of special traits of communities and how these traits undergo changes setting in motion catalytic transformation of cultures and their ultimate fusion into a new culture retaining the best features of the old. Spanning all countries and cultures this is a genuinely international encyclopaedia. It is an indispensable reference work; the simplicity and clarity of its presentation makes it enchanting to read. Superbly illustrated throughout, the encyclopaedia will prove to be an invaluable asset not only to academicians, researchers, libraries, museums and designers of all disciplines but also to the wider public as it covers almost every area of human interest.