A Little History of Religion

“Holloway’s account is brimful of arresting facts.”—Ian Thomson, Financial Times

“Holloway’s narrative is made up of many different threads and details carefully woven together to make a satisfying read. The pace is leisurely despite the amount of ground covered, and he manages to include memorable details.”—Carol Palfrey, Sofia

“As an informed reflection on the state of faith in the western world in the 21st century, written by someone who has plenty of experience, it is insightful and intelligent.”—Tim Whitmarsh, The Guardian

“This is a well-written book, from which most of us will come away knowing more about the religions of the world than we knew before. . . . In its own way this engaging book might be seen as a period piece.”—John Charmley, Times (UK)

“In an age of religious tension, this is an important contribution to understanding different beliefs. . . . A straightforward, well-written introduction to religion and its various manifestations.”—Library Journal

“Thank God—if I can use that phrase in a neutral way—for Richard Holloway and his carefully weighted, beautifully written and strangely compelling brief history of world religions. . . . There can be no better place to learn about [religion] than in the pages of this enlightening book.”—Peter Stanford, The Observer

“[Holloway] deftly makes his knowledge accessible to the public. . . . A great service for students of religion. This is no dry textbook: With its conversational prose and density of information, it is a pleasure to read.”—Weekly Standard

“For readers in search of a thoughtful, thorough, and approachable survey of the history of religion, this book is an excellent place to start.”—Booklist

“A Little History of Religion both delights readers and tackles a subject historically and emotionally wide-ranging. . . . Holloway repeatedly links religious movements to political action, perhaps cautionary tales for our times, and how to seek accurate religious history—a surprisingly superior handbook.”—Katharine C. Black, Anglican and Episcopal History

“It is difficult to name anyone more qualified to write on this topic than Richard Holloway. His own journey of faith has encompassed so many experiences that he writes with an admirable combination of detachment, knowledge and affectionate engagement.”—Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years