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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
slow-paced
A very informative, if dry and comprehensive, history of Reformation Europe. Any previous education I had about it covered pretty much Luther and the printing press and then called it a day, so this was enlightening to say the least as it covers from 1500-1700s. It discusses not just religious differences, but the various different off-shoots of protestantism, the geopolitical consequences, social changes, the different developments in Northern, Southern and Eastern Europe, the Counter-Reformation, etc. It can be a bit overwhelming, especially at the parts where you’re trying to remember the names of dozens of minor princes and dukes and principalities, but overall it provides highly enlightening context for a large and consequential period of European history. And, despite the foreword suggesting otherwise, I didn’t feel my lack of Christian or biblical knowledge hindering my understanding of the book at all.
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Masterful in its depth and argument, epic in its scope, and clearly and beautifully written; there is no question this book can, should, and will become one of the standard and most long-lasting texts on the Reformation. As with his wonderful [b:A History Of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years|6957725|A History Of Christianity The First Three Thousand Years|Diarmaid MacCulloch|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327962392s/6957725.jpg|7194000], Professor MacCulloch goes back before the technical 'beginning' of the topic covered. He uses Medieval European Christianity, with healthy doses of information from even earlier Christianity, to help set the stage for and explain how/why the Reformation played out as it did. Western Europe isn't the only geographical area treated, either. Along with the Reformation came the Age of Exploration, and the exportation of the newer Christianities as well as both pre- and, especially post-Tridentine Catholicism. How the implanting of these religions affected local communities, as well as why certain trends in where and how they were implanted, are also touched on, though unfortunately not in quite too much depth. It is a bit of a tome, but if you're interested in the Reformation it is very much worth the time investment.
A detailed examination of a hugely long and complex series of historical events that have had such influence on the shape of Europe to this day.
MacCulloch writes clearly, bringing to life obscure theological debates and individual human emotions, politics and piety clashing across the continent, from Ireland to Transylvania. He also manages to include the pre-reformation background and the afterlife of the religious split in the colonies of the Protestant and Catholic powers. With no affiliation to either side, MacCulloch presents a fair and factual account that goes beyond Henry VIII and Bloody Mary.
Highly recommended.
MacCulloch writes clearly, bringing to life obscure theological debates and individual human emotions, politics and piety clashing across the continent, from Ireland to Transylvania. He also manages to include the pre-reformation background and the afterlife of the religious split in the colonies of the Protestant and Catholic powers. With no affiliation to either side, MacCulloch presents a fair and factual account that goes beyond Henry VIII and Bloody Mary.
Highly recommended.
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.
informative
slow-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I haven't ever read a book on the topic and it is one that I've been interested in for some time so I was excited to read this book. I was a little disappointed. This is a lengthy book of over 700 pages and it is very, very detailed. It was difficult to keep up with all the names and places as the author covers the many different individuals who were part of the Reformation throughout Europe. It helps you realize how complex and big the Reformation was as it was the product of many individuals across many countries over a fairly long period of time. It would be helpful to have a good background in European history to better follow the book. The first two-thirds of the book is more of a chronological history and the last third covers some common themes and topics without the chronology. If you are looking for a high level overview of the Reformation, this is not the book for you.
If you want a one-stop history of the Reformation, this book is the place to go. Rather than tackling each area separately (German Reformation, Swiss Reformation, Catholic Reformation, etc.), MacCulloch provides us with a story that weaves all of these various plots together. In doing this some depth is sacrificed, so if you want to learn more about a particular figure or event you have to look elsewhere. But if you want to see the whole story, complete with background leading up to the Reformation and results of it, this book is great. My only complaint is that the Anabaptists seem to get short shrift, Menno Simons only gets one paragraph!