Bradley J. Longfield is one of the greatest Presbyterian historians to ever live. He is the author of many Landmark books detailing Presbyterianism and America and abroad. In his newest work Presbyterians and American culture: a history, Longfield delves into Presbyterianism in its earliest American roots.

Now this book is lightweight just shy of 260 pages, and is not deal with all of Presbyterianism in early America yet Longfield is able to weave a narrative of the early establishment of Presbyterianism in America in a manner that most of the laity is able to read and understand. Presbyterian Church History is a long and complicated history in the United States of America. Yet if one wishes to delve into this one will come away with a greater appreciation for the church denomination they are in and will be able to in the past so that they will not repeat the same mistakes which their forebears made.

While there is a lot to praise about this book due to Longfields dedication, in this work, to the history of his denomination, the PCUSA, other areas of Presbyterianism in America have been largely ignored. Specifically that of the associated Reformed Presbyterian Church which have its roots in America prior to that of the forefather of the main line Presbyterian Church. Wallace does not negate the book it does leave one longing for a deeper work on Presbyterianism in the history of American culture. With this caveat I do recommend this book to those who would like to know about early Presbyterian history as well as the events leading up to the many divisions of Presbyterianism which are country now supports.

This book was provided to me free of charge from Westminster John Knox Press in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.