Prayer: A History

This landmark work presents prayer in all its richness and variety throughout history, across traditions, and around the globe. In a thorough and fascinating look at this spiritual practice, two of today’s most versatile and admired authorities on religion probe the language and fruits of prayer, its controversies, and its prospects for the future. With a focus on extraordinary stories of lives changed by prayer and on great works of literature and art inspired by it, Prayer: A History promises to be the standard on the subject for readers of all faiths.

"This is a majestic account of one of the very few, and very central, distinctively human activities." --Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature

"A wonderful book -- original, well-researched, clear, inspiring, even-handed. I applaud the two Zaleskis for their great effort." --Natalie Goldberg, author of Long Quiet Highway and The Great Failure

"A grand and human compendium, fascinating on every page. It's witty, moving, and full of interesting facts and funny stories." --Annie Dillard

"A much-needed study of a neglected topic." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

"A wonderful read...Any serious student of prayer will learn a good deal from this book." --America

"A finely written, accessible, and informative thematic history of prayer." Library Journal

"A rich study...[The Zaleskis] rival Karen Armstrong in their lucid prose and expansive vision." Kirkus Reviews