Few authors have the breadth and depth of knowledge required to write such a history. Richard Sorabji demonstrates in this work an impressive grasp of Western philosophy and an effortless ability to move across disciplinary boundaries. Moral Conscience Through the Ages will quickly establish itself among scholars as the standard treatment of its subject. But what is most impressive is that without sacrificing the rigour that academic researchers demand, he has also written a book that is accessible and practical enough to find its way into the hands of policy makers in debates concerning freedom of conscience and conscientious objection. (Michael Hickson, Trent University, Ontario)