Beecher's perspective and style very much reflect the best aspects of Nineteenth Century America prior to the Civil War. This does not mean that it comes from a time of great peace and tranquility, but rather that it is fraught with the angst that eventually resulted in the Civil War. The fact that this book is thoroughly modern, but not postmodern makes it a very interesting for anyone who truly wants to understand the world we actually live in today. Beecher was not a backwater hick or a Southern sympathizer, but represents the best of American theology and literature of his day. His sister was the famous Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Edward was widely recognized as the best scholar among the Beechers, and the Beecher family produced an amazing array of scholars. Interestingly, his scholarship landed him in conflict with the religious pundits of every stripe in his day. The two conflicting trends in Nineteenth Century America involved the consolidation of Reformation churches, which had become the American Establishment, and the rejection of religious establishment mentality that has been described by many as a continuation of the principle of the Reformation.