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The history of atheism and agnosticism are not very well-tread topics, even in the 21st century. To study such things, even in the past 30-40 years, has been seen as reckless and even dangerous, especially for those academics looking for tenured positions. This, however, leaves a lacuna of historic information for those who have the wherewithal to subvert traditional academic restraints. The data on atheism/agnosticism/irreligion is plentiful, but various governmental/religious authorities were unrelenting in their attempts to erase such concepts from the historical record during the time, so secondary sources are difficult to come by.
The list below is just the beginning of the history of irreligion in Europe, mostly because much of this history remains to be written. It is only recently that academia, in general, has become tolerant towards non-religious or anti-religious beliefs, so the field of atheism/agnosticism in Europe remains wide open to the scholar(s) who would explore it.
1. ''A Secular Age'' by Charles Taylor – This book is ''dense'', but worthwhile. It contains phrases that would make even the most senior academic roll their eyes. But, despite Taylor’s somewhat arrogant prose, this work is a must-read for anyone interested in the rise of secularism in the Western world.
