Chapter 1 is autobiographical. 9 Intervening chapters explore the meaning of religious freedom from Madison's debating of the notion with Patrick Henry, through the antislavery crusade, most of the relevant Supreme Court decisions, and the export of this American ideal to Japan and Russia. The material in these chapters is philosophical as well as historical. The forms that the chapters take are remarkably creative. 10 Chapter 2 is written as a catechism.
Several chapters are centos.
While both authors explore the complexity of their subjects fully, they share an admiration for American policy. America really was a land of opportunity and a haven for oppressed Europeans in Baseler's account. Further, she suggests at the end, American asylum was eventually extended far beyond white Europeans. This reviewer enthusiastically recommends both books. It is at points too detailed and erudite for even the best general readers and yet too idiosyncratic for many academic, legal, or religious professionals.