A Documentary History of Religion in America since 1877

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 672 pages
• Published by: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Edition: 3rd Edition September 2003
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0802822304
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0802822307
• Book Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.6 inches
• Weighs: 2.4 pounds

Product Description
For a good two decades teachers and students of American religious history have turned to the two-volume "Documentary History of Religion in America" for the most significant primary sources from the nation's founding to the present. Both volumes in this landmark work here appear in an updated and expanded third edition. Carefully refurbished by renowned historian of American religion Mark Noll, these rich sourcebooks contain original documents — letters, sermons, court records, personal narratives, and more — that chronicle the drama of American religious history. This third edition updates all of the bibliographical essays, brings the second volume up to the present, and incorporates other documents that reflect recent scholarly concerns, such as the religious dimensions of the Civil War and religious developments among women and people of color.

Reader Reviews
The updated third edition of Gaustad and Noll's "Documentary History" is even more reader-friendly. "Church History Journal" has it right, "The most comprehensive set of documentary materials on American religion to date." From the religions of the Native Americans, to the beliefs of the Puritans, to the thoughts of the Deists, to the religious experiences of women, to the worship of black slaves, and everything in between, the editors weave together a tapestry of the American religious experience. Truly "a treasure chest containing varied essentials of our country's past" ("Religious Studies Review"). Readers can expect to find four essential sections accompanying every reading. First, the editors provide an introductory overview of each time period, placing the readings in historical context. Second, they share a brief, enticing narrative introducing the author and the context for his or her writing. Third, they provide the writing itself, along with bibliographic documentation. Fourth, they conclude each section with an extensive annotated bibliography. For historical researchers like myself, wanting to do primary research, this section alone is "worth the price of the book." "Documentary History" is a rare historical work due to its combination of breadth and depth. As already noted, Gaustad and Noll provide materials on every imaginable "religious group" within American history. Their selection and presentation demonstrates an unbiased commitment to fairly represent all traditions. To this breadth of coverage they add depth of selection-their readings are not mere paragraphs torn out of context. Rather, they are extended readings with enough material to gain a true picture of American religion-first hand, first person. One might wish for more documents concerning the American Hispanic religious experience (one or two documents discuss American Hispanic Catholicism). The early immigration of Asians to the western United States before the Civil War could also have allowed for documents representing the Asian American religious experience. However, what we have remains a rich chronicle of the drama of American religious history. Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."