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'This is a superb book that takes on big questions and offers satisfying answers. Harrison's very careful examination of the development of the concepts of 'supernaturalism' and 'belief' is full of brilliant, new insights. The book is also extremely well written. The author has a knack for expressing complex ideas succinctly, clearly, and in a provocative way. Harrison is an eminent scholar who has already written several very important books. This major new work will only add to his reputation as one of the leading figures in the humanities.' Bernard Lightman, Professor of Humanities, York University, Toronto, author of Victorian Popularizers of Science: Designing Nature for New Audiences (2007) and The Origins of Agnosticism: Victorian Unbelief and the Limits of Knowledge (1987)
'How, in the West, have our understandings of 'the secular' and 'religion' been built on entirely modern notions of belief and disbelief, natural and supernatural? This is the question at the core of Peter Harrison's brilliant and fascinating exploration of religion and science as they have come to be conceptualised, usually in opposition to each other, in the modern West. Some New World is a really important work, drawing on a wide range of thinkers and ideas, that will significantly shape future scholarly discussions.' Jane Shaw, Principal of Harris Manchester College, Professor of the History of Religion, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford, and author of Miracles in Enlightenment England (2006)