Some New World

Reviews / Votes

'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. 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) 'A 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. Drawing on a wide range of thinkers and ideas, Some New World 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) 'Some New World is an epochal piece of scholarly work. It forces us to question the foundational categories we use for thinking about science, religion, and their intersection. It feels as though Some New World is the culmination of the trajectory of the work the author has been doing for decades. This outstanding book will surely be the focus of scholarly discussion for a generation to come.' Matthew Stanley, Professor of the History of Science, Gallatin School of Individualized Study, New York University, author of Einstein's War: How Relativity Conquered Nationalism and Shook the World (2019) and Huxley's Church and Maxwell's Demon: From Theistic Science to Naturalistic Science (2014) 'This is a very significant work, by one of our most eminent contemporary historians of science and religion, and its implications need to be wrestled with in the most serious and concerted fashion.' Paul Tyson, Reviews in Science, Religion and Theology 'I applaud Harrison's... historically responsible, careful explanation of secular modernity. I am grateful too for his resisting the temptation to bend historical work to diagnose our contemporary ills, whatever they may be.' Mike Kugler, Fides et Historia 'The author masterfully explicates the writings of key thinkers such as Aristotle, Aquinas, Luther, Descartes, Hume, and Huxley, inter alios, pertinent to the changing perceptions of the relationship between the natural and supernatural worlds and its impact on ratiocination (theological and secular). ... Highly recommended.' R. T. Ingoglia, Choice