This biographical resource outlines the lives and achievements of more than 200 philosophers and religious leaders and shows how their accomplishments have influenced the world and the thoughts of those who followed. The resource provides information on how these thoughts and beliefs made a lasting impact on society. The volume begins with an introductory essay, followed by more than 200 illustrated profiles arranged in an alphabetical order. The Life and Work section of the resource includes a discussion of the person's work and the societal forces influencing him or her; the Legacy section summarizes the impact of the person's work and beliefs on those who followed. Each entry also contains a timeline listing important dates in the individual's life as well as a bibliography of the major works about the person. A general bibliography, general timeline, geographic index, discipline index, and name/concept index conclude the book. (BT)