Reformation Europe 1517 – 1559 - G R Elton

The age of Luther and the Emperor Charles V, of Calvin and Ignatius Loyola, of Copernicus and Erasmus, rich in achievement and furious in destruction, is of its very nature controversial. This book sets out to tell the history of the Reformation and to explain it.

To understand the issues and preoccupations which seemed central to the age itself and to portray its leading figures with vigour and realism are its chief aims. To this end the author has availed himself of modern analysis and research while doing his best to rid himself of modern prejudices. Religion and theology are given their full weight:

Luther is restored to the predominant position from which it has become fashionable to remove him. Charles Vis seen, once more, as the pivot on which everything turned. In these and a host of other strongly drawn portraits the character, not only of the people but of one of the most crucial periods in European history, acquires new depth and reality.