MacMullen. has published several books in recent years which establish him, rightfully, as a leading social historian of the Roman Empire. The current volume exhibits many of the characteristics of its predecessors: the presentation of novel, revisionist points of view.; discrete set pieces of trenchant argument which do not necessarily conform to the boundaries of traditional history; and an impressive, authoritative, and up-to-date documentation, especially rich in primary sources. A stimulating and provocative discourse on Roman paganism as a phenomenon worthy of synthetic investigation in its own right and as the fundamental context for the rise of Christianity."-Richard Brilliant, History"MacMullen's latest work represents many features of paganism in its social context more vividly and clearly than ever before."-Fergus Millar, American Historical Review"The major cults. are examined from a social and cultural perspective and with the aid of many recently published specialized studies. Students of the Roman Empire. should read this book."-Robert J, Penella, Classical World"A distinguished book with much exact observation. An indispensable mine of erudition on a grand theme." Henry Chadwick, Times Literary SupplementRamsay MacMullen is Dunham Professor of History and Classics at Yale University and the author of Roman Government's Response to Crisis, A. D. 235-337 and Roman Social Relations, 50 B. C. to A. D. 284 | Paganism in the Roman Empire by Ramsay MacMullen, Paperback | Indigo Chapters