Dictionary of American Religious Biography, 2nd Edition

(Hardback, 2nd Revised edition)

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Description

The first edition of this award-winning reference, published in 1977, contained 425 biographical profiles of the most significant American religious figures. This new edition includes profiles for 125 additional people, and the earlier biographical sketches have been revised and updated. The volume includes religious leaders who died before July 1, 1992. Among its pages are entries for reformers, philosophers, social activists, doers and dreamers. While many of the people are mainstream, white ordained clergymen, many more stand outside traditional denominations and reflect the cultural and religious diversity of modern America. The result is a systematic overview of 400 years of American religion from the colonial period to the present day. Each profile begins with a capsule summary of the chief events in that person's life. The biographical essay that follows places the basic facts of the figure's life within the larger context of American religious history. A bibliography of the most significant works by and about the figure concludes each entry. Appendices at the end of the work categorize each individual by religious denomination and by place of birth.

Reviews

In this revised edition, Bowden has added 125 figures and in some form reworked his profiles or bibliography of 350 others. As with other reference works, increased attention is given to women and minorities. Atheists, freethinkers, and cult leaders are included, as are people whom Bowden concedes are outright charlatans. As with the first edition, the brief essays are succinct and probing, ably capturing the impact of the subject's life. The new edition retains the distinction of the old. This volume--like its predecssor--is up to Bowden's usual high standard.-Anglican and Episcopal History
The intent of these essays is to give a critical overview of each subject's enduring impact on some aspect of American religion. Bowden succeeds remarkably well in carrying out this goal. The first edition of the Dictionary of American Religious Biography quickly established it as the reference work of first choice when looking for basic information about key individuals. This second edition solidifies its place as a major reference tool for everyone who is interested in American religious history and life. Bowden is to be commended for his labors.-The Journal of American History
The reading is compelling: one woman starved with her converts in famine-ridden China and one illiterate ex-slave woman undertook a speaking tour of India before 1900....This title will be highly useful.-Choice
"The intent of these essays is to give a critical overview of each subject's enduring impact on some aspect of American religion. Bowden succeeds remarkably well in carrying out this goal. The first edition of the Dictionary of American Religious Biography quickly established it as the reference work of first choice when looking for basic information about key individuals. This second edition solidifies its place as a major reference tool for everyone who is interested in American religious history and life. Bowden is to be commended for his labors."-The Journal of American History
"The reading is compelling: one woman starved with her converts in famine-ridden China and one illiterate ex-slave woman undertook a speaking tour of India before 1900....This title will be highly useful."-Choice
"In this revised edition, Bowden has added 125 figures and in some form reworked his profiles or bibliography of 350 others. As with other reference works, increased attention is given to women and minorities. Atheists, freethinkers, and cult leaders are included, as are people whom Bowden concedes are outright charlatans. As with the first edition, the brief essays are succinct and probing, ably capturing the impact of the subject's life. The new edition retains the distinction of the old. This volume--like its predecssor--is up to Bowden's usual high standard."-Anglican and Episcopal History

Author Bio

HENRY WARNER BOWDEN is Professor of Religion at Rutgers University. He has authored or edited several books on American religious history, and his articles have appeared in the Journal of Mormon History, Church History, the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, and in several encyclopedias. He is the Series Adviser for Contributions to the Study of Religion (Greenwood Press).