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 are also united by a common understanding of the diversity of religious life of all cultures and continents. Eliade masterfully masters the methods of comparative anthropology and demonstrates 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, naturally, does not cover the ecumenical breadth of the material presented in the book: ancient China and Hellenistic Egypt, European barbarians (Celts and Germans) and Iranian dualism - in fifteen chapters of this book, it seems, all the richness of the religious development of the Old World fits. At the same time, the title has a precise meaning, conveying the substantive “core” of the book: the formation of world religions, religions of salvation. The book gives a panoramic picture of salvation religions from Taoism to Christian gnosis.