God and Greater Britain: Religion and National Life in Britain and Ireland, 1843-1945 - Hardcover

"Dr. Wolfe in this excellent textbook does much to illuminate the shadows which pervade this area of historical discussion which has taken place at an unhelpful distance from the more conventional institutional histories of religion." -"H-Net Review Project "A stimulating and creative book.." -David Bebbington, "University of Stirling "A wide-ranging book which brings together a great deal of fascinating material and perceptive comment. I can't think of any other book quite like it in its judicious blend of synthesis and original research ... Its range, and above all its confrotation of the British as opposed to the English dimensions of the problem are impressive.." -James McMillan, "University of Strathclyde ..."shows that religious factors shaped nationalism in the British Isles in many different ways-and differently for all possible parts: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Britain without Ireland, England and Wales together, and so on." -"Books and Culture: A Christian Review "Particularly instructive is Wolffe's skill at showing how times of national crisis . . . promoted more intense religion and more intense religious nationalism. Additional treasures lie in store for those with patience to read Wolffe's footnotes and his careful methodological introduction. Americans who want to assess their own history of religious nationalism could hardly find a more helpful comparative study with which to begin." -"Books & Culture: A Christian Review

Concern and debate over the role of religion in the make up of the United Kingdom is a contemporaneously relevant as it was in the nineteenth century. God and Greater Britain is a survey of the contribution of religion to society, politics, culture and national self-understanding in Britain and Ireland at a pivotal period in their historical development. It derives from primary research as well as from an extensive synthesis of the secondary literature. John Wolffe's timely and stimulating appraisal of the centrality of religion is well illustrated with specific episodes and uniquely places religion in a firm historical perspective.