Book Review: Righteous Strife by Richard Carwardine

 My Rating: 4 stars

I want to start by stating that this book is incredibly thorough and incredibly over my head.  I will also be straightforward and admit that I didn't finish the book.  I will, however, offer my impressions of the book, as far as I read. 

Carwardine begins his analysis by setting the religious stage in America for the reader.  He describes the religious atmosphere in early colonial America and moves forward through time, up until the pre-Civil War era, so the reader can understand the impact and significance of what Lincoln did during has presidency.  Carwardine then carefully analyzes the actions of Lincoln, explains why they were significant, and how it further changed the religious climate in America.  

This book, while fascinating, is not written for a layman audience.  Carwardine quickly throws out names of religious figures in early America, often in a manner that assumes the reader already knows who they are.  Although that made this particular publication a difficult choice for light reading, it is a literary work of merit and I went so far as to recommend it to a friend of mine who is pursuing a PhD in early American history.  

The reason I gave this book four stars is because I didn't finish it, and therefore I don't feel that I'm qualified to cast five-star judgment on the entirety of the book. I did give it a high rating though, because what I did read was well-written and thorough, and I trust the remainder of the book is as high-quality as the portion I read.  

I want to thank NetGalley for giving me a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.