This book investigates the complex transformation of religious life in Western Europe from the French Revolution through the late twentieth century. Hugh McLeod, a prominent historian of religion, utilizes a comparative sociological framework to analyze how industrialization, urbanization, and political shifts altered the influence of established churches. He argues that the decline of traditional religious authority was not a uniform process but a multifaceted reaction to the rise of socialism, capitalism, and changing gender roles.

Scholars and students of European history frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the secularization process in the modern era. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a comprehensive overview of institutional religious decline across diverse national contexts.