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valkyriejmu's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this book, but this is another one of those books that leads to other books and then, before you know it, you're in way over your head with supplemental reading material.
But it's a good history of freethinking(ism?)and I recall it was a fascinating read.
But it's a good history of freethinking(ism?)and I recall it was a fascinating read.
paulfidalgo's review against another edition
4.0
Truly eye-opening. You can not only see how secularists and nonbelievers have been written out of our history, but how it is happening before our eyes today. Even more alarming, is the process by which religious interests of today claim the successes and sacrifices of yesterday's secularists for themselves. Read this and see history differently.
lukas_sotola's review against another edition
5.0
A brilliant, insightful work of history that covers an immense amount of ground in a surprisingly small space. Anyone who thinks that the United States is a "Christian country" or that religious leaders were the primary movers in fights for social justice--from the feminist movement to the abolitionist movement to the Civil Rights movement of the '60s and '70s--should read this book. The truth is that the United States has a rich tradition of freethinkers who were completely secular, often critical of religion (although much more respectful than today's New Atheists), devoted to the principles of the Enlightenment, and were often on the front lines of protecting our civil liberties. What I think is also so important about this book is that Susan Jacoby manages to be highly critical of religion, especially its role in upholding traditional and unequal social hierarchies and in attacking freedom of speech, without degenerating into New Atheist-style condescension or demonizing of all people of faith. An extremely important book.
mavenbooks's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting look at the history of freethinkers or secularists throughout American history. Somewhat bothersome information about religion's role as well, especially with current issues. Waned a bit as it got toward modern times, but a decent read all the same.
mephistia's review against another edition
2.0
I picked up a paperback copy of this after hearing good reviews of the author. I've been trying, without success, to read it. I don't know ... the topic (secularism) and author (feminist atheist) both appeal to me, but her writing style just does not engage me. It's frustrating. I read about halfway through before I gave up on forcing myself to keep reading.
I'd recommend, "Doubt: A History," by Jennifer Michael Hecht instead.
I'd recommend, "Doubt: A History," by Jennifer Michael Hecht instead.
cassilynn's review against another edition
I tried to read this, but just couldn't. I wish I could say I got future into it than I did, but I didn't make it to far before I gave up.
jiujensu's review against another edition
5.0
A must read for anyone interested in the current culture wars, feminism, civil rights, religion, separation of church and state, or history.
kaylana's review against another edition
5.0
Jacoby is a great writer and she is able to seamlessly combine history and mini-bios into one great book. There are so many great people that history seems to have forgotten--Ernestine Rose, Robert Ingersoll, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, all due to their outspoken views on patriarchal religion. I loved getting to know these beautiful people that all helped shape our great nation.