Religion in Britain A Persistent Paradox

This is a precise, clear, admirably fair and comprehensiveaccount of religion in Britain, and especially of religious changesover recent decades, that should be necessary reading for anyoneinterested in the subject. It provides a subtle account of thechanging political and cultural background, and also a comparativebackground in the peripheries of Britain, Europe and North America,and the 'Global South'.
David Martin, London School of Economics
 
Davie's 1994 book was a landmark in the field of thesociology of religion internationally. British religion and societyhave since changed, and Davie's thinking has also developed.This new edition is more than an update. It is a masterly review ofthe contemporary situation - its continuities withBritain's Christian heritage, as well as the changes.Rebecca Catto, Coventry University
 
In this new edition of Religion in Britain, Grace Davie hasthoroughly updated her watershed investigation from two decadesago. Now emphasizing more the notion of "vicariousreligion" than the much-discussed earlier concept of"believing without belonging", she surveys thecontemporary British religious scene with insight andillumination. Anyone wishing to understand how the Britishare coming to terms with their religion -- past, present, andfuture -- will need to read this valuable book. JohnTorpey, City University of New York