I have to admit that reading this book was for me pretty much of a downer. The period covered included the "official split" between the churches of Christ and the Disciples of Christ. Chapter two in entitled "The 'Digressive' War." The author writes from the perspective of the "loyal brethren" and those who are not of that group are the "digressives." Numerous spats and divisions are also discussed among the "loyal brethren."

Having a Stone-Campbell religious heritage, I am able to keep track of the "good guys" and the "bad guys," but I expect it is extra confusing to outsiders. Using musical instruments in worship, located ministries, Sunday Schools, Christian Colleges, hymnals, hymnals with printed notes, and using one or multiple communion cups are just a few of the visible symbols that caused divisions.

It was troubling to read about missionaries who traveled abroad and were promised support by as many as 50 churches of Christ in the United States, only to discover that none delivered on their promise.

The author includes his take on the exploits of preacher Louis R. Patmont who made national news with his dramatic kidnapping in Illinois, which was supposedly exposed as a fraud by an Illinois newspaper. I am not convinced that West has his facts straight regarding Patmont, but he paints him in a negative light and is satisfied that the newspaper stories and rumors he quotes are indeed factual. [I have yet to learn of any criminal act or acts by Patmont, but the author takes them as a given.]

In spite of its flaws and ponderous reading (including several repetitions of text!) I learned useful information about the period and the churches of Christ stream of the Stone-Campbell restoration movement in particular -- downer not withstanding.

The book is indexed, but it is not a detailed index, as many names, places, and subjects are not included. ( )