In this classic work William James explores the psychology of religion, applying scientific method to a field that had previously been treated as theoretical, abstract philosophy. This 2002 centenary edition celebrates the 100th anniversary of this landmark text. It includes new introductions by Jeremy Carrette and Eugene Taylor, as well as a fully revised index. James believed that individual religious experiences, rather than the precepts of organized religions, were the backbone of the world's religious life. His discussions of conversion, repentance, mysticism and saintliness and personal religious observations and experiences all support his thesis. James' pluralistic view of religion led to his remarkable tolerance for extreme forms of religious behaviour, a willingness to take risks in formulating his own theories, and a welcome lack of pretentiousness in his observations on how an individual stands in relation to the divine.

威廉·詹姆斯（William James，1842—1910）美国本土第一位哲学家和心理学家，也是教育学家，实用主义的倡导者，美国机能主义心理学派创始人之一，也是美国最早的实验心理学家之一。1875年，建立美国第一个心理学实验室。1904年当选为美国心理学会主席，1906年当选为国家科学院院士。2006年，詹姆斯被美国的权威期刊《大西洋月刊》评为影响美国的100位人物之一（第62位）。