Identifying the leading factors which have led to Evangelical disenchantment and exploring how Evangelicalism was viewed by those who once found it appealing are the central concerns that David Hempton, Alonzo McDonald Professor of Evangelical Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School, addresses in this survey of nine disenchanted figures. In each of the nine case studies (evaluated in six chapters) the author contrasts the earlier religious convictions of the individuals under review with the convictions that they held later in life. The outcome for all is a reorientation of their values, leading to a transformation away from Evangelicalism. Readers learn, for instance, that the once ardent Evangelical George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) became disillusioned partly through her exposure to social philosophy and historical criticism, which intensified existing uncertainties and created new ones. Or of women's suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton's spiritual pilgrimage away from Calvinistic Evangelicalism, believing its focus on biblical literalism too conveniently served the interests of men. Other figures examined include Francis Newman, Theodore Dwight Weld, Sarah Grimké, Francis Willard, Vincent van Gogh, Edmund Gosse and James Baldwin. Unsurprisingly the form of Evangelicalism that emerges between these pages and with which these figures under review become disenchanted is highly idealistic, rigid and even strident. This point makes one wonder whether this work is more about the disenchantment with Christian fundamentalism than Evangelicalism. In the concluding chapter Hempton draws together several common characteristics which contributed to the disenchantment of these nine figures. These people shared an idealistic determination to make a difference in the world and a deep disappointment when expectations went unfulfilled. Their bible-reading and engagement with the social and intellectual developments of the day produced a cognitive dissonance concerning their Evangelical beliefs. This in turn led to a rejection of much of the dogmatic theology to which Evangelicals adhered. Furthermore, the disenchanted realised that Evangelicalism was often on the side of the demons rather than the angels when it came to a desire to reform the social evils of the day. Thus, for many of these individuals Evangelicals were viewed as hypocrites, whose lives did not match their pious claims. And yet for all their difficulties with Evangelicalism many of these people carried with them in their journey away from Evangelicalism several positive qualities nurtured during their time within in. David Hempton has produced a thought-provoking look at the inner workings of nineteenth-century English and American conservative Evangelicalism, revealing how it was simultaneously alluring and revolting. The author's astute observations will be appreciated by all those who wish to learn about the ways in which a conservative religious movement has struggled to incorporate people who desire to combine piety with critical thinking and artistic creativity.