"Beginning with the watershed of the Reformation, Anticlericalism examines the subject by means of a series of discrete but chronologically continuous essays by some of the leading academics in the field. It examines in detail the better known periods of anticlericalism - the early years of the Reformation, the ascendancy of Archbishop Laud in the seventeenth century and the rural anticlericalism of the early nineteenth century. But it also looks at those periods when anticlericalism has not traditionally been seen as an important trend, such as the eighteenth century and the period before the First World War. " "Anticlericalism in many different forms is here, from public hostility towards clergy on religious grounds, to their unpopularity for decidedly secular reasons, and from state-sponsored anticlericalism to anticlericalism within the church itself. And we see these attitudes expressed in many different forms - in words, ritual and imagery. " "With examples drawn mainly from the established Anglican tradition, but also taking into account the Roman Catholic and non-conformist churches, Anticlericalism is an indispensable book for anyone studying the finer points of British history over the last five hundred years. Not only tracing the history of this important theme, but also giving important insights into the origins of secularism and the forging of the modern state, this ground-breaking volume opens up new vistas. "--BOOK JACKET.