Conscience and Conversion

Thomas Kselman is professor emeritus of history at the University of Notre Dame and a former president of the American Catholic Historical Association.

"Camp: Notes on Fashion is highly recommended for dress historians interested in the interaction between art and fashion”—Alice Mackrell, The Journal of Dress History“Scholars will welcome the breadth of his source material, and there are some excellent maps”— Patrick Kidd, The Times“At once learned and accessible, Conscience and Conversion is a strikingly original addition to the historiography on the culture of nineteenth-century France.”—Jan Goldstein, University of Chicago“Tom Kselman is one of the most accomplished historians working on religion in modern Europe. In this highly original, and—as always—brilliantly researched study, he evokes and analyzes the challenges of religious conversions and the complex story of religious freedom in nineteenth-century France, so relevant today. A fascinating book.”—John Merriman, Yale University                                         “An intimate portrayal of religious conversion and spiritual disenchantment in the post-revolutionary age of religious freedom. Kselman masterfully tells the stories of Jews who turn to Catholicism, Catholics who lose the faith, and the ensuing tales of family disruption and personal pain, as well as new intellectual, social and political adventure.”—Ruth Harris, University of Oxford    "A thought-provoking, emotionally satisfying book. Thomas Kselman brilliantly explores a central, but too-often overlooked, aspect of modern life, namely the freedom to choose one’s religious beliefs. With great sympathy and insight, Kselman examines key French figures who struggled mightily with religious choices unknown in the pre-revolutionary past."— Edward Berenson, author of Europe in the Modern World    “With empathy and compassion, Thomas Kselman explores the case of individuals who chose to become Catholics in the aftermath of the French Revolution. This book is relevant to all who must negotiate the complex connection connections between belonging and belief.”—Darrin M. McMahon, Dartmouth College