A History of Pagan Europe by Prudence Jones, Nigel Pennick

A History of Pagan Europe

by Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick

With this second edition bringing the books completely up to date with analysis of recent work in the area, A History of Pagan Europe is the first comprehensive study of its kind, and establishes Paganism as a persistent force in European history with a profound influence on modern thinking.

From the serpent goddesses of ancient Crete to modern nature-worship and the restoration of the indigenous religions of Eastern Europe, this wide-ranging book offered a rewarding - often provocative - new perspective on European history.

This second edition includes:

  • expanded discussion of the significance of the Olympian pantheon and the interrelationship of Greece and the Near East, and of the synthesis of paganism and Christianity
  • new analysis of twentieth-century paganism and the coherence of paganism across time
  • a new glossary and chronology.

A History of Pagan Europe is essential for all readers interested in the development of religions across the centuries and around the globe.

Reviewed by Amber (The Literary Phoenix) on

2 of 5 stars

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Interesting facts, but a poorly written book. Very scattered and inconsistent - focus on certain aspects of each branch overwhelms other parts (for example one section may skip deities but focus pages on the death rituals). Its lack of cohesion made this very difficult to read and appreciate.

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  • Started reading
  • 1 March, 2016: Finished reading
  • 1 March, 2016: Reviewed