In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, thousands of ordinary women and men experienced evangelical conversion and turned to a certain form of spiritual autobiography to make sense of their lives. This book traces the rise and progress of conversion narrative as a unique form of spiritual autobiography in early modern England. After outlining the emergence of the genre in the seventeenth century and the revival of the form in the journals of the leaders of the Evangelical Revival, the central chapters of the book examine extensive archival sources to show the subtly different forms of narrative identity that appeared among Wesleyan Methodists, Moravians, Anglicans, Baptists, and others. Attentive to the unique voices of pastors and laypeople, women and men, Western and non-Western peoples, the book establishes the cultural conditions under which the genre proliferated.

About the Author
D. Bruce Hindmarsh is James M. Houston Associate Professor of Spiritual Theology, Regent College, Vancouver.

Reviews
Based on deep knowledge of Whitefield's and especially the Wesleys' reading and vast output of writings and of the contemporary context, this book throws brilliant new light on the emergence and development of Evangelicalism, whose flame still burns bright. For anyone seeking to explore Evangelicalism, this is an admirable book. * The Ven. Dr William Jacob, Church Times *
Exhaustively researched and leavened with dry wit, The Evangelical Conversion Narrative offers a focused and sometimes moving insight into the lives of all sorts and conditions of people, from barely literate laborers to self-consciously literary preachers and poets. * Maria M. Scott, Christianity and Literature *
In this finely researched and compellingly written account of the hitherto relatively underexplored phenomenon of religious conversions in early modern England... Hindmarsh argues convincingly that... a more nuanced reading of this key historical period of evangelicalism is needed... Evangelical Conversion Narrative will be a first port-of-call for any serious inquiry into this eponymous cultural and religious phenomenon which swept through the Atlantic world in the mid- to late eighteenth century. * Paul C.H. Lim, Religious Studies Review *
These are complex and testing areas, yet Hindmarsh's handling of his subject matter is superb, revealing depth of knowledge and an engaging style...The differences and similarities between conversions in different parts of the evangelical movement are explored and analysed with finesse...It is a landmark study deserving of the highest praise for its scholarly integrity and breadth of vision. * Gareth Lloyd Journal for Eighteenth-Century Studies *
This is a model monograph. Bruce Hindmarsh has landed upon an important yet surprisingly understudied theme, researched it thoroughly, and explored it in a wide-ranging and insightful manner...The Evangelical Conversion Narrative deserves to be read, discussed, and cited for many years to come. * Timothy Larsen The English Historical Review *
...an impressive study. * John Kent, Journal of Theological Studies *
It is the best book ever published by a North American on eighteenth-century evangelical religion. * Mark A. Noll, Journal of the American Academy of Religion *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199236718
Author D. Bruce Hindmarsh
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 610g
Dimensions(mm) 233mm * 155mm * 22mm