Catholics in America

Carey writes with clarity and grace, deftly guiding readers through the intricacies of American Catholic history. Especially impressive is the way the author balances hierarchical and clerical perspectives with those of the laity and external observers of the Catholic scene. Carey integrates an amazing amount of detail into this concise, carefully structured history, making the controversies and historical protagonists come alive, whether the focus is on the Colonial era, Americanism in the 1890s, Cold War Catholicism, or the escalation of the crisis over sexual abuse by clergy at the turn of the 21st century. Highly recommended. * CHOICE *
Carey presents a dutiful, accessible, and even-handed descriptive account of the major historical developments and events in American Catholicism from a brief review of Colonial Catholicism to current 'troubled times.' * Conscience *
Excellent coverage of the postconciliar period.... Balanced.... First-rate quality.... Clearly articulated.... The overall excellence of C.'s book amply demonstrates that history written in the traditional way still has the power to deepen our collective self-understanding. -- Philip Gleason, University of Notre Dame * Theological Studies, June 2009 *
This history, in the hands of willing students and a lively, informed teacher, or on a library shelf, will help create an informed and engaged body of American Catholics for the coming decades. The rest of us, Catholic adults responsible for our present and immediate future, will do well to read it-reflectively. * American Catholic Studies, Fall 2009 *
Patrick Carey’s Catholics in America displays a rare combination of qualities: it is both encyclopedic and easily digestible…Carey’s vast knowledge and his ability to bring a scattered array of details into a coherent narrative will impress any reader. This book is recommended for anyone seeking a richly detailed but crisp study of American Catholicism. * The Catholic Historical Review, December 2009 *
In this crisply written volume, Patrick Carey combines a detailed narrative of American Catholic history with brief biographies of leaders ranging from Charles Carroll to Joseph Bernardin. * Catholic Library World *