Review
Peter Watson’s hindsight, foresight and insight into the role atheists play in creating our cultures makes
The Age of Atheists a must read. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation of the rich world in which we live. (Charles de Groot, co-chair of The de Groot Foundation)
Peter Watson's book has made the extraordinary leap of assessing each of the 20th century's important secular philosophic traditions. Along the way, as an ultimate reference, he has also given us the intuitive methods and insights of that century's leading poets, painters, musicians and choreographers. Perhaps no one else at this moment has the background for such an adventure. Whether as a guide to the last century's thinkers or as a reference to the insights of its artists,
The Age of Atheists is an indispensable map to locate our present. (William Kistler, poet and essayist)
Watson’s encompassing treatment of a difficult subject, in a world growing no less uncertain, is impressive and, ultimately, reassuring. (Booklist (starred))
“The beauty of this book is Watson's ability to impose order on a riot of ideas…even the casual reader will find much to delight and enlighten as Watson elegantly connects the dots from Nietzsche and William James to Bob Dylan and jazz.” (
Publishers Weekly)
"H]ighly readable and immensely wide-ranging….Peter Watson has produced what is, in every way, a big book, one that bears reading thoughtfully, with a pencil in hand. For anybody who has wondered about the meaning of life, and that pretty much covers everyone past the age of 12, discovering “The Age of Atheists” will be an enthralling and mindexpanding experience." (Michael Dirda
The Washington Post)
About the Author
Peter Watson is an intellectual historian, journalist, and the author of thirteen books, including
The German Genius,
The Medici Conspiracy, and
The Great Divide. He has written for
The Sunday Times, The New York Times,
the
Observer, and the
Spectator. He lives in London.
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