"Gathered here is the fruit of Bruce Lincoln’s decades-long engagement in cross-cultural comparison in what he describes as its preferred “weak” mode. But more than demonstrations of this style of comparison, Lincoln’s efforts are also theoretically suggestive, showing how in many different ways, for him, comparison is an 'indispensable instrument of human thought.' As a polemic, as well, Lincoln’s efforts fly irreverently in the face of much of unthinking, trendoid dismissals of this essential human cognitive act. A much welcomed tonic for the malaise of parochialism afflicting the study of religion today."

Ivan Strenski, University of California, Riverside

"Lincoln’s brilliant and learned book reflects a rare and convincing effort to renew the classical comparative approach to religious phenomena, by establishing it on a new basis. Side by side with representing a truly novel and sophisticated contribution to the study of ancient religions, it offers us a beautiful stroll through some of the most curious landscapes of modern scholarship."

Guy G. Stroumsa, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and University of Oxford

"Bruce Lincoln’s argument for weak comparisons, developed with amazing erudition and great methodological subtlety, will be a scholarly point of reference in the years to come. The section on the ancient Scythians is a jewel. An indispensable book."

Carlo Ginzburg, University of California, Los Angeles

"A persuasive argument for fine-grained historical and cross-cultural comparisons. At the same time, by an erudite scholarly critique of ruling ideologies, Bruce Lincoln gives new meaning to speaking truth to power."

Marshall Sahlins, University of Chicago

"Combining bracing critique and scrupulously pursued case studies, Apples and Oranges ranges from the history of studies of 'religion,' to the Spanish Civil War, to Beowulf, to Herodotus’ Scythians, and the Lakota Ghost Dance, and urges what Lincoln calls 'weak' comparison, fortified in his case by dazzling erudition and an unfailing ethical commitment. Lincoln includes a critique of 'recursive apocalypticism,' as in the exhortation to make America great 'again.' Inspiring and persuasive, this is the work of a great scholar at the height of his powers."

Page duBois, University of California, San Diego

"Scholars in the field of religious studies, which is Bruce Lincoln’s discipline, vary on the propriety of comparativism. On the one hand, some scholars argue for universal similarities. . . . On the other hand, specialists in particular religions are often like specialists in the French Revolution: they root their studied religion in its own locale and hesitate to engage in comparativism, even to find differences. Lincoln falls in the middle of these camps. He advocates, not opposes, comparisons, but only as long as they are limited."

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