Publisher's Synopsis
Religion and reform are central to the American experience. In this new book twelve eminent historians assess various aspects of religious and secular reform in America. Coverage spans three centuries - from the eighteenth century to the present day - and includes analysis of the Churches of the Middle Colonies, radical religion in New England, Leisure in Antebellum America, Sabbatarianism, Women, War, Evangelicalism, Progressivism and Welfare Politics. The authors offer a mix of general overviews and specific case studies to illuminate the issues portrayed.The extensive chronological range, the coherence of coverage and the contrasting and complementary approaches adopted by the authors will make this an ideal introduction for all those with an interest in the history of religious and secular reform in America.Contributors include: Louis Billington, Mark Häberlein, Howell John Harris, Louis H. Kern, Valeria Gennaro Lerda, Robert Lewis, Anthony Mann, Alexis McCrossen, Jan C C Rupp, Axel Schaefer, Melvyn Stokes and Naomi Wulf.
