The Secularization of the European Mind in the Nineteenth Century (Canto S.)

Rating:
Summary: college student perspective
Review: Chadwick's study on the Secularization of the European mind in the 19th century is an exceptionally well-written and intensely studied analysis of a vast topic. He does an excellent job of disproving many erred historical theories. The alternative theories he offers are typically well supported; however, some are based on unsound assumption and unfounded generalizations. Perhaps the most noted is his downplaying of the influence of Darwinism. Overall this book is very good and is recommended for anyone interested in the subject. It is not bathroom reading.

Rating:
Summary: too much of a good thing
Review: The theory and supporting arguments here are outstanding, but a bit overdone for the average guy (or for me, at least). This isn't light reading - page after page go into supporting evidence for ideas which could have been put just as convincingly in about a tenth as many pages. I'm not a poli-sci student, sociologist, Marxist, or philosopher, though; I'm sure that for those whose interest in works like this run a few feet wide and a mile deep, this book is great.