Book Reviews

McGrath, Alister. The Twilight of Atheism: The Rise and Fall of Disbelief in the Modern World. Doubleday.

Library Journal: “Unfortunately, though he is usually adept at the popular presentations of complex topics, his argument falls short in this book. In addition, there are historical inaccuracies…Not recommended for academic collections but suitable for popular collections that emphasize Christian apologetics.” Publishers Weekly: “Readable and memorable, this is intellectual history at its best.” Kirkus: “McGrath is incontestably correct on a couple of points, shakier on other points. Not all preaching to the choir, though—comparative-religion types at least should take a look.” Booklist: “For readers trying to understand this unexpected reversal [of atheism] in cultural fortunes.” National Review: “McGrath is an engaging, anecdote-loving writer with irenic sympathy for all his subjects, even the atheists. I found him a shade too irenic. He gives too much credit to the postmodernist theorists who helped push modernity over the edge. Even more distressing is the scant attention that McGrath pays to the highly credentialed and supremely self-confident Richard Dawkinses of the world.” Choice: “In this beautifully written reflection on the gradual resurgence of religious longing, McGrath traces the history of atheism in the West with erudition and insight.”