The first comprehensive study of its kind, this establishes Paganism as a persistent force in European history with a profound influence on modern thinking. Wide-ranging and provocative, it will challenge the academic and general reader.

In this definitive study, Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick draw together the fragmented sources of Europe's native religions and establish the coherence and continuity of the Pagan world vision. Challenging a traditional, Christian perspective of history, the authors argue that the modern world owes to ancient Paganism its pluralistic tolerance, its love of the arts, and its respect for empirical method. This innovative and comprehensive history of European Paganism will provide a stimulating, reliable guide to this popular dimension of religious culture.

`This a timely book. ... It synthesizes recent scholarship; it gives fresh insights in many areas and it includes a good bibliography to guide further reading.' - Jane Shaw Theology`Destined to become a sourcebook and a central text in the `ancient or modern' debate about Paganism ... If you only buy one book this year, buy this one. Stunning!` - Pagan Voice`This book provides a wide-ranging overview of a fascinating aspect of Europe's history ... a must for anyone interested in the history of ideas and religious systems.' - Miranda Green, University of Wales, Cardiff