American Religions: An Illustrated History

By J. Gordon Melton

The evolution of religious diversity and complexity in the United States is explained clearly in this richly illustrated historical work.

This volume provides an overview of the more than 400 native tribal religions at the time of Columbus, examines the major survivors, and discusses contemporary efforts to breathe new life into old faiths. The book charts the initial colonization and the arrival of religious pioneers and tells how religious groups in the post Revolutionary era struggled with their new dependence on voluntary member support. This easy to read, easy to understand reference work outlines the evolution, key developments, and seminal figures in this most tolerant of religious settings.

American Religions: An Illustrated History is generously enhanced with more than 200 illustrations--many of them rare--and written in accessible language without scholarly jargon.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1576072223
• ISBN13: 9781576072226
• Release Date: December 2000
• Publisher: ABC-CLIO
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 10.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

In Its Time

Excellent overview and survey. Completely readable yet good coverage given the brisk speed. A bit limited by the time of its publication. Add the instant classic book OCCULT AMERICA by Mitch Horowitz to get the up-to-now other half of the story.