In this book Callum Brown complements his celebrated 'bottom-up' thesis on the death of Christian Britain with a 'top-down' argument: secular ethics only become implanted in public culture through the workings of an 'open conspiracy' of humanist intellectuals. The arguments runs the gamut not only of familiar issues such as abortion, divorce, homosexuality and capital punishment but extends to the less familiar yet still topical: suicide, euthanasia, social care and nuclear proliferation.

Peter Mandler, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, UK

A fascinating and meticulously researched historical 'whodunit' that uncovers the impetus behind sweeping ethical changes between 1930-1980 in the UK and beyond. Brown identifies the proponents of those changes and the rich and diverse ethical programmes that formed the basis for social reform on issues such as reproductive rights, medical assistance in dying, the anti-nuclear movement and gay and lesbian rights. Brown has once again crafted a superb historical corrective that sets a new research agenda on the humanist contribution to social justice, ethics and morality.

Lori Beaman, Canada Research Chair in Religious Diversity and Social Change, University of Ottawa, Canada