This book describes and expands upon the content of a film of the same name, with special reference to the religious conflict between two characters: Sergeant Howie and Lord Summerisle. The Christian viewpoint is treated more favourably than it was in the film. Howie's experiences and background are also enlarged upon and the subject of a sort of cross between the grove of Nemi and the grove dedicated to Odin at Uppsala has been added to the pagan plot.

This book describes and expands upon the content of a film of the same name, with special reference to the religious conflict between two characters: Sergeant Howie and Lord Summerisle. The Christian viewpoint is treated more favourably than it was in the film. Howie's experiences and background are also enlarged upon and the subject of a sort of cross between the grove of Nemi and the grove dedicated to Odin at Uppsala has been added to the pagan plot.