Reviews

The Reformation by Diarmaid MacCulloch

jamelchior's review against another edition

This is a comprehensive history of the Reformation, rich in detail, and even-handed, teasing out the strands of the many varieties of both Catholic and Protestant Christianity that developed in Europe over the 15th to 17th century, and connecting this history meaningfully to our modern religious, national, gender identities. Something very special about MacCulloch's book is that he is able to synthesize many perspectives - theology, politics, social changes - putting it all together in a narrative that makes sense. I have always found this period of history confusing, and as a result, I had an oversimplified concept. This book is illuminating, both a challenge and a joy. Well worth the effort to read.