“With great skill, Paul Conkin . . . plows this fertile soil of religious novelty in America. . . . His careful ‘reading guides’ . . . are up to date and useful.” — Catholic Historical Review
“As the most comprehensive and insightful study of its kind on the market, American Originals should become required reading for students in undergraduate and graduate level classes in American religious history.”Journal of Church and State
“A volume of great value to anyone wishing to survey those distinctly American contributions to the evolvement of Christian diversity. . . . [This book] will be useful as an initial reference source for the student who seeks basic history and doctrinal exposition relative to any of these ‘American Originals,’ but its greatest value will be found in Conkin’s integrative sweep of the movements and submovements. This is a study that provides far more than just a fact-based encyclopedic approach to religious leaders, theological doctrines, and behavioral variances: it engages the reader in an exploration that is analytically astute and thought provocative.” — Georgia Historical Quarterly
”This thoroughly excellent book explains so much about the foundations of our religious thinking and behavior that Americans ought to read it, not only for its profound insight into our common historical experience, but also for its enthusiasm, lucidity, and wit.” — Seventeenth-Century News
“A well-conceived work, suitable for reference or classroom use.” — CHOICE
“Helpful for all readers who need a nonbiased account on these groups that are sometimes misrepresented in the public arena.” — Library Journal
“American Originals sheds light on the background, origins, development, and distinctive theological views of the most successful 'new religious movements' in the United States derived from Christianity. Conkin’s judgements are informed, incisive, independent, and at times intellectually provocative — a valuable reminder of the innovative contributions coming from the religious margins in America.” — Stephen J. Stein, Indiana University
“The incomparable Paul Conkin has provided us, once again, with an authoritative, analytically sophisticated, highly personal interpretation of a broad swath of American religious history. Anyone even remotely interested in the subject should read this volume, especially those with a taste for theology and definitional precision. This is a model of democratic intellectual history that takes seriously the ideas and practices of the common people as well as the elite.” — John B. Boles, Rice University
