Philosophical and informative

Excellent short book contemplating the nature and purpose of religion in human societies.

The book covers the history of major world religions but also offers, en passant, interesting insights into how and why particular religions operate in particular ways, how fear and other powerful forces were co-opted as the means to recruit or retain followers, and the role and purpose of religious leaders. Packed usefully with historical insights and interesting anecdotes it is surprisingly engaging and informative.

Nicely read and philosophical in its approach encouraging listeners to keep questioning their own beliefs and their origins and bases.

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Excellent intro to history of religion

It’s the first book on history of religion I’ve come across and enjoyed the narration very much. It covers all of the major religions along with some minor ones and sects too. I liked the way the story is jumps from place to place in various parts of the world where new events or movements in religions are taking place. As an introduction it doesn’t go into too much depth in each religion but the details and context is deep enough to go to further study if so inclined. I would like to listen at once more to the topics that are of interest to me especially reformation in Europe and it’s impact on modern day Europeans, perhaps a subject of another book altogether.

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BRILLIANT

This was absolutely brilliant. A lovely reading voice and fascinating book. I highly recommend it to anyone religious or not. More than anything I feel it gives you food for thought about humans, what it is to be human. As soon as it finished I wanted to start again !

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Great Listen

Really great book nice journey through religion I 100% recommend This for anybody interested in religion. Also like the narrator James Bryce as well.

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A little bit of education

This book brings you on a whirlwind tour of the world's most popular religions and gives you a glimpse into their beliefs and modus operandi. It's well written and the narrator's voice is easy on the ear. Obviously written from a secular point of view, it tries to be an objective tour guide for the listener. Worth a listen for anybody jnterested in religion history.

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Cannot recommend enough

The narrator: witty, comforting and gentle
The book itself: a masterpiece in non judgemental reflective thinking about a subject that has dominated history and caused so much joy and pain. Exceptional in that it gives no opinion whatsoever on which religion is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ including atheism. This means you’re left wondering what YOU think given the basic facts rather than what someone tells you to think.
So refreshing.

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amazing look at history of religion

concise brief transparent. It is obvious the author disapproves and disbelieves in all religion and is mildly mocking of many beliefs but the narrator portrays this with good taste. nonetheless the overview of religions history tries to appear unbiased and gives the benefits and negatives of each religion as well as how it influenced what came after. gives a good insight to how we arrived at the modern religious day.

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Impartial, educational and worthy

An impartial overview of the world religions. Very educational and worthy. I fully recommend this audio book

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Superb, even handed overview of religions.

Would you listen to A Little History of Religion again? Why?

Yes, I'd like to go back and pick up on some of the individual religions to get the story again having completed the book therefore having a broader context.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Buddah

What about James Bryce’s performance did you like?

Never dull

Any additional comments?

I picked this out of a general curiosity as a non-practicing Christian. I wanted to get a wider understanding of other religions and this certainly delivered. I was worried that it was going to be a dry book but it isn't at all. Its well researched, short in some areas by necessity but also very easy to follow. Its also boosted by the light humour of the author at times.

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Wonderful

A really insightful look at many religion’s across time and the world and leaves you to make your own judgement about them.

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