Fifty years ago we learned how much more there was to say when Peter Brown published his magnificent life, Augustine of Hippo ... [Lane Fox] has now done Brown one better ... Brown managed to tell the whole story, from birth to death, with great economy and flair. Fox aims for full immersion, and he conjures the intellectual and social life of the late Roman empire with an almost Proustian relish for detail.

Undoubtedly a watershed in Augustinian studies ... the magisterial and compellingly readable narrative ... makes full and creative use of all the best recent scholarship.

Engagingly frank, beefily pugnacious ... ... he writes stirringly

Vivid, very well-written, First Confession joins the highest tier of recent works by British politicians

Ian Johnson breaks new ground with a brilliant approach, mixing theoretical explorations with real life vignettes from a convincing insider-outsider-combined perspective, making them commenting each other, illuminating in the same way as through the traditional Chinese criticism paradigm of 'I commentate the six classics which commentate me.' The Souls of China is a must read for an understanding of China

The great Chinese writer Lu Xun once wrote that when many men pass along the same way, a new road is made. The Souls of China shows us how the Chinese people, some with heroic steps and others with hesitant ones, are making a new road for Chinese religion in the twenty-first century. The reappearance and flourishing of religion is perhaps the most surprising aspect of the dramatic changes in China in recent decades. With great sensitivity Ian Johnson guides us on a tour of the rituals, festivals, and above all some of the remarkable characters who make up this new Chinese religious world. This is a beautiful, moving and insightful book

The Souls of China is a rich, informative, and timely book, which explores a major aspect of Chinese life. Ian Johnson carries erudition lightly and describes the people and events with deep insights and personal involvement. Section by section, the writing shows long-term dedication and meticulous research. At heart this is also a personal book, full of feelings and exuberance. It's a tremendous accomplishment

His tripartite masterpiece Wild Grass and his newest book, The Souls of China, are the most remarkable works to come from a western author in the past two decades.

Through interviews conducted with a wide variety of practitioners, Johnson paints a vivid picture of the diversity of Chinese religious life....He provides a fascinating account of how traditional activities recovered after enduring severe repression during China's Cultural Revolution (1966-76). An excellent work that is highly recommended for readers interested in Chinese culture or religion

[Warsi is] a trailblazer ... [She] writes with conviction

Sayeeda Warsi's integrity, intelligence and deep understanding of the challenges confronting the Muslim communities, the government and wider society make this a politically charged and invigorating read. A vital book at a critical time

Sayeeda Warsi traces the recent travails of British Islam through her own remarkable journey from a working-class childhood in Yorkshire to a seat at the Cabinet table. She is an unsparing critic, whether of Muslims who practise intolerance or media-driven politicians who find virtue in "non-engagement". But the conclusion of this thoughtful and passionate book offers hope amid the gloom: with fresh policies and a dash of courage, the beast of division can be starved, and Britain strengthened to make its way in the world

The book is a masterpiece of fine writing and wisdom. It is timely and much needed in rebutting the myths and fears that spread Islamophobia. It reaffirms the values of equal citizenship, free speech and the rule of law in our multicultural society. It is a wake-up call and a manifesto for politicians and media in combatting religious and racial discrimination

Compelling brave and honest

The Enemy Within has a refreshingly balanced approach - constructive critique of Muslim communities and government - and workable recommendations

Engaging , thought provoking and a must read book by a trailblazer

A gut-wrenching and relentless experience...Farida's story needs to be told.

A powerful description of a world ripped apart... Farida tells a story that is testament to how toxic violence can be born of religion.

This is a mesmerising study of human cruelty and a brave depiction of the monsters that arise when reason sleeps.

It’s a shattering, brave, enraging book but also a stirring story of survival.

An unflinching account… This is one of those rare volumes that offers astonishing insights into the human spirit… A catalogue of horror is made bearable only by her extraordinary courage.

Although a harrowing story it is also an uplifting one as it is truly a triumph of the human spirit over terror.

This is a brave, harrowing but necessary book.

Farida's story needs to be told

Truly a triumph of the human spirit over terror

This is one of those rare volumes that offers astonishing insights into the human spirit

A compelling testament to the suffering of ordinary people caught up in violence far beyond their control

Mesmerising

Timely, excruciating and important.