mcsnide's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting history of the idea of conversion in the western world. Jacoby examines the socio-economic as well as historical factors that drove most conversions historically. Intriguing read, if a bit untidy. She doesn't really present a thesis or a strong conclusion, but there is so much historical information here that I learned quite a bit. The learning was the difference between a 3 and 4 star review for me.
earlapvaldez's review against another edition
5.0
T'was a really long read, but I appreciate how conversion was framed from a secular perspective with great consideration of religious voices and sources. It's a must read for those who engage in missionary work, as well as those who study the trajectory and the geography of religious traditions being shaped by time and circumstance.
regferk's review against another edition
3.0
I would actually give this one a 3.5 if I could. I love Susan Jacoby but this one was not my favorite. The first half seemed to drag a bit but the second half was much better. So really, it's a 3 for the first half and a 4 for the second half. Of course, it could also be me. I seem to be a bit worn out on religion lately. I probably should have waited to read it. It's hard to wait when it's a favorite author, though.
nerdella_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Very detailed account of why people have chosen to change religions over the centuries, as well as an admonition of different major religions for the sins of their past.
nicholasbobbitt1997's review
3.0
Jacoby aims above my head with this work. I feel like I should understand it but I don't. It's well-written, from what I can tell, but I couldn't make heads or tails of her argument.
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