"The Methodism of John Wesley was a vigorous presence in Atlantic Canada from its introduction in the eighteenth century until its incorporation into the United Church of Canada in 1925. The growing body of scholarly writing on religion in the region, however, has concentrated on other denominations. While recent works have analysed the lives of important Methodist figures in central Canada and identified Methodism as one of the most powerful forces in the formation of Ontario culture, the literature on Methodism in Atlantic Canada is still dominated by previously published works founded on assumptions that must be reassessed." "This collection of essays by scholars in several disciplines breaks new ground and rejects some long-accepted stereotypes to provide a better understanding of the culture of Atlantic Canada."--Jacket.