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The New Puritans

How the Religion of Social Justice Captured the Western World

Andrew Doyle author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Little, Brown Book Group

Published:4th May '23

Should be back in stock very soon

The New Puritans cover

Andrew Doyle's The New Puritans critiques the rise of social justice as a religious-like movement, urging a return to liberal values.

In The New Puritans, Andrew Doyle analyzes the phenomenon of social justice through the lens of a religious cult, aiming to simplify its complexities for readers. By dissecting the regressive and illiberal tendencies of this movement, he posits that only through such understanding can we effectively resist its influence. This exploration serves as a crucial examination of our current cultural climate, highlighting the need for a return to genuine liberal values.

The author draws parallels between the new puritans of today and the puritans of the seventeenth century, who, despite their rigid beliefs, possessed a level of self-awareness regarding their own fallibility. In contrast, contemporary puritanism is characterized by an aggressive cultural revolution rooted in identity politics and social justice. Doyle illustrates how this movement operates like a religion, complete with its own language, rituals, and an intolerance for dissent, epitomized by the rise of cancel culture.

The New Puritans is not just a critique but also a call to action. Doyle encourages readers to understand the origins and objectives of this ideology to reclaim liberal values. With a tone of optimism, he makes a compelling case for why it is essential to address these issues now, fostering a dialogue that could pave the way for a more open and tolerant society.

If future historians were to recommend only one book to help readers understand the "Critical Social Justice" madness that consumed the West in the early twenty-first century, it would be The New Puritans. Written by one of the ideology's most articulate and effective critics, Dr. Andrew Doyle's timeless perspective detailing the ideological takeover of venerable institutions also provides an impassioned defense of liberalism. A must read. * Peter Boghossian *
A sober but devastating skewering of cancel culture and the moral certainties it shares with religious fundamentalism * Sunday Times *
Doyle writes exceptionally well and he backs up his j'accuse with copious illustrations of ideological excess . . . University no-platformers like to say that 'words are violence'. If so, Doyle's are rapiers. * Herald *
This is a serious book about a serious subject - the arrogation of moral purity and cultural orthodoxy by a small but influential posse, and Doyle's anger and disbelief come through on every page. * Mail on Sunday, Book of the Week *
In this lucid, important book, the satirist and commentator Andrew Doyle zeroes in on the religiosity of these movements . . . He is supremely erudite and writes beautifully. Anyone with an interest in contemporary culture and politics should read this book. -- Matthew d'Ancona * Tortoise Media *
This book is a call to arms in an existential battle . . . it's thrilling to be led by such a brilliant commander * Spectator *
Doyle isn't the first author to examine the methods and motivations of woke fanatics, and he won't be the last. However, I doubt whether anyone will do so with more style or generosity of spirit . . . * Conservative Woman *
The New Puritans is a passionate and erudite exposé of the modern-day social-justice movement. With clarity and precision, Doyle exposes its countless flaws and hypocrisies. His book is an essential guide for anyone looking to understand why the culture war has grown so hot. * City Journal *
The New Puritans is a fusillade of uncompromising reason but reason with compassion. Andrew Doyle has written a masterful broadside against the woke that will also discomfit the anti-woke, proposing to both the radical notion that rather than being identities, we embrace our status as individuals. * Critic *
This is a finely written, closely argued book on an alarming and all-pervasive social development. Doyle hopes that it will soon become obsolete - if it doesn't, say farewell to liberal Britain * The Times *
Doyle's study is sprinkled with humour and is analytical and timely. One doesn't have to agree with it fully to recognise he speaks plenty of sense. * Irish Examiner *
Doyle succeeds in doing what few writers have managed: he gives form to that nebulous movement known as woke . . . The New Puritans is a sucker punch of truth rendered in a seductively rhythmic prose * Country Squire Magazine *
The first thing to be said about this book is that Andrew Doyle can write. He writes fluently, with examples, with an amusing sense of irony, and he writes convincingly . . . fine prose, razor sharp wit, and insight * European Conservative *
The New Puritans - thanks to Doyle's academic background - is scholarly and rigorous. He knows a great deal more about the theory he's criticising than most of his opponents * Law & Liberty *

ISBN: 9780349135304

Dimensions: 196mm x 126mm x 34mm

Weight: 317g

400 pages