Kressel (psychology, William Paterson U.), who researches genocide, terrorism and anti-Semitism, takes a remarkably objective and constructive approach to this deeply disturbing subject by judiciously applying the tools of social science and psychology to the concept of religiously motivated evil. He examines the psychological and social characteristics of religious extremists and their expression in militant Islam, Christianity and Judaism. He also closely analyzes the contexts in which extremism seems to be most active, examining the features of the minds and societies likely to create and support extremism. He closes with sensible recommendations for policymakers to consider in attempting to reduce or eliminate the negative effects of religious extremism. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)