This is an enlightening and superbly researched history of the evolution of modern atheism, from the early 19th century to today. Atheism, once a minority view, is now openly embraced by an increasing number of scientists, philosophers, politicians, and celebrities. How did this formerly closeted secular outlook gain its current prominence as a philosophically viable and challenging worldview? Beginning with an exploration of the movement's origins in the 19th century, when intellectuals, thinkers, and writers - such as Huxley, Nietzsche, and Twain - first openly voiced scepticism, "The Unbelievers" goes on to look at the impact of and prominent atheist thinkers of the early 20th century, including Clarence Darrow and Bertrand Russell, before moving on to examine how, in recent years figures such as Richard Dawkins, Gore Vidal, and Sam Harris have brought atheism in to the mainstream.
