As well providing a masterly panoramic survey of the religion itself, Professor Blainey keeps you informed about the social and economic forces that influenced it, making fascinating connections with politics, literature, popular culture, other religions and wider historical events along the way.

The result is a vivid account of the world's largest religion, packed with illuminating insights into the ideas and achievements of some of the most powerful people and movements that have shaped our world right up to the present day.