Catholicism has grown from a suppressed and persecuted outsiders' religion in the American colonies to become the nation's single largest denomination. James Fisher surveys more than four centuries of Catholics' involvement in American history, following the transformation of catholicism into one of America's most culturaly and ethnically diverse religions.

Tracing more than four centuries of Catholics in America, this concise study is a fascinating look at the history of the country's largest religious denomination. 15 photos.