Reformation Europe, 1517-1559 - G. R Elton

This is G.R. Elton's classic account of the Reformation, revealing the issues and preoccupations which seemed central to the age and portraying its leading figures with vigor and realism.Professor Elton presents a lively and accessible overview of this key era in European history. The book gives full attention to religion and theology, restores Luther to the predominant position from which it had become fashionable to remove him, and focuses on Charles V as a pivotal player in the period. The text is a tribute both to Elton's gift for concise exposition of complex historical problems and his masterly command of narrative. The result is an account of the Reformation era which is as clear-minded and readable as any published in the thirty five years since its first publication. This new edition includes an updated bibliography and an afterword by Andrew Pettegree placing Professor Elton's account of the Reformation in its scholarly context.