Populated by many of the most iconic figures of the twentieth-century, 'Sacred Causes' provides a brilliant examination of how religion has shaped twentieth-century Europe from the Great War until the modern-day 'War on Terror'.

Beginning with the chaotic post-World War I landscape in which religious belief was one way of reordering a world knocked off its axis, 'Sacred Causes' is a sweepingly assured critique of how religion has often been camouflaged by politics. Covering a vast canvas, Burleigh examines the many 'secular' religions the twentieth-century produced, analysing how successive totalitarian leaders fantasised and aped the hierarchy, rites and ritual of the churches in the desire to return to the day where ruler and deity were one.

All the many bloody regimes and movements of the century are here, from Stalin's Soviet Union, Hitler's Germany, Mussolini's Italy, Franco's Spain through to the modern scourge of terrorism the current 'War on Terror'. Often blackly comic, the book shows how the church has been swayed by - and contributed to - conflicting secular currents. He traces religious beliefs and institutions from a time when the church, disenchanted with both democracy and fascism, began to search for political alternatives. During the Second World War, the churches faced agonising dilemmas, notably how to respond to the Holocaust.

Combining the deeper workings of history with an urgent sense of the contemporary relevance of his material, Burleigh challenges his readers to consider why no-one foresaw the religious implications of massive Third World immigration, as well as what is driving current calls for a 'civic religion' with which to counter the terrorist threats which have so shocked the West.

About the Author

Michael Burleigh is Distinguished Research Professor in Modern History at Cardiff University. He is the author of seven well-received books, including 'Earthly Powers' and 'The Third Reich', for which he was awarded the Samuel Johnson Prize in 2001.

Reviews

'Compelling...hugely ambitious...Burleigh is a writer who pulls no punches and seldom leaves a difficult question unasked.' Sunday Telegraph

'Michael Burleigh forged a formidable reputation as a historian of Germany and consolidated it with "Earthly Powers"..."Sacred Causes" takes the story up to the present day. Its first half addresses in masterly fashion the relationship between the churches and the totalitarians...impressive...formidable...his book deserves the widest possible readership.' Sunday Times

'A superbly sweeping read, very sane on Ireland, and excellent on the present set of horrors.' Daily Telegraph

'In years to come, Michael Burleigh's two-volume study of secular hubris since the French Revolution may well be judged to be the most significant work of history published this decade...Burleigh is a fine and contentious writer and a hugely accomplished historian.' The Observer

'Michael Burleigh is one of the most original historians writing today.' Mail on Sunday

Book Information
ISBN 9780007195756
Author Michael Burleigh
Format Paperback
Page Count 576
Imprint HarperPerennial
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 410g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 35mm