Fundamentalism

Steve Bruce is Professor of Sociology at the University of Aberdeen.

• Acknowledgements. Introduction to the Second Edition.1 The Nature of the Beast.2 Modernity: the Great Satan.3 Islamic Fundamentalism.4 Fundamentalism in the USA.5 Fundamentalisms: Causes and Consequences.Bibliography.

“Admirably concise, the book presents a comprehensive treatment of the subject ... It’s a highly engaging and accessible introduction.”Times Higher Education "Steve Bruce writes always with great lucidity from a clearly stated point of view. His essay on fundamentalism is no exception. It is well informed and easily accessible and it deserves to be taken seriously even by people who disagree with his view."Martin Riesebrodt, University of Chicago"The term fundamentalism is generally used carelessly, and often used rhetorically to suggest (for example) that American (or Ulster) conservative Protestants are on a par with Islamist radicals. In this important and definitive book Steve Bruce provides a trenchant sociological analysis of what fundamentalism is, and outlines its kinds, causes and consequences. He also sets his analysis of fundamentalism in the context of an extremely succinct account of secularisation. In particular he shows that fundamentalism of whatever kind has no chance of succeeding. This is a very useful book for the commentariat as well the interested educated reader."David Martin, London School of Economics and Political Science"Trenchant, informative and wide-ranging, Steve Bruce’s book demolishes popular myths, forcing us to confront the complex social realities of traditionally-minded religious communities threatened by the incursions of secular modernity. Fundamentalism is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of religion in the contemporary world."Alan Aldridge, University of Nottingham