Edward Carpenter's book is a fascinating account of the relation between Christian and pagan belief-systems. Drawing on a wide range of sources, the author shows the continuity of theological and cosmological thought that underpins both Christianity and other earlier religions. The parallels are striking: long before Christianity, as Carpenter points out, many pagans worshipped god-men born of virgin mothers on the 25th December. This perceptive analysis covers such topics as rites of expiation and redemption, the use of sacraments and eucharist, the blood sacrifice, and solar mythology, ranging across a wide swathe of ancient and tribal beliefs and finding numerous points of correspondence with Christian dogma. An intriguing feast of fact and startling 'coincidences', and a must-read for anyone interested in esotericism, pagan ritual or the origins of Christianity.