This is a major contribution to scholarly debates on the chronology and nature of secularization in modern Britain. Combining historical and social scientific insights, it analyses a range of statistical evidence for the 'long 1950s', testing (and largely rejecting) Callum Brown's claims that there was a religious resurgence during this period.
"The 1950s are disputed territory in Britain's religious history. No decade has been interpreted in such contradictory ways. Writing with characteristic clarity and thoroughness, Field has now made a major contribution to the debate." - Hugh McLeod, University of Birmingham, UK
"Clive Field is the Hercule Poirot of religious statistics: relentless in tracking down sources, judicious in interpreting data and immaculate in his arguments. He makes the rest of us look sloppy and this account of religion in the UK post-war is the final word." - Steve Bruce, University of Aberdeen, UK
"Clive Field is the Hercule Poirot of religious statistics: relentless in tracking down sources, judicious in interpreting data and immaculate in his arguments. He makes the rest of us look sloppy and this account of religion in the UK post-war is the final word." - Steve Bruce, University of Aberdeen, UK