Focusing on Methodism in the British Isles between 1750-1900 David Hempton discusses when and why Methodism grew and the nature of the Methodist experience for those who embraced it. Hempton considers four of the important figures in the early history of Methodism: John Wesley, the founder, Jabez Bunting, the most powerful man in the connexion in the ninetenth century, Thomas Allen, the connexional lawyer and political advisor, and Gideon Ouseley, a representative of the much neglected order of itinerant preachers who spread the Methodist message. "The Religion of the People" concludes with an exploration of the themes of law, politics and gender which lie at the heart of Methodist influence on individuals, communities and social structures.