Formations of the Secular

“A dark but brilliantly original work, Formations of the Secular is one of the most important books on religion and the modern in recent years.” - H-Net Reviews “Formations of the Secular is also a difficult if stunningly eloquent book, a response both elusive and forthright to the many shelves of ‘books on terrorism’ which this country’s trade publishers are rushing into print.” - Bryn Mawr Review of Comparative Literature “This wonderfully illuminating book should be read alongside the author’s Genealogies of Religion …” - Religion “…Asad’s brilliant study remains a defining piece of intellectual and scholarly contribution for all of those interested in exploring the religious and the secular in the modern era.” - The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences “…one of the most interesting scholars of religious writing today.” - Christian Scholar’s Review

Talal Asad is Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He is the author of Genealogies of Religion.