Covers the Lutheran, Calvinist, Zwinglian, and the Anabaptist reform movements as well as the English Reformation and Catholic response.

Surveys the conditions and events of the period, and analyzes the personalities of Martin Luther and Charles 5th.

A competent Catholic scholar carries on an objective study of the determined efforts of the Catholic Church to reform itself, to stem the advances of Protestantism, and if possible to recover the lands lost to heresy in the earlier 16th century.

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 vigour and realism.

A classic account of the Reformation, revealing the issues and preoccupations which seemed central to the age and portraying its leading figures with vigour and realism. The book is an analysis of the religious, economic, cultural and political history of Europe during the period of the Reformation. Author G. R. Elton examines the history of the period through the interrelationships between different forces in Europe at the time, such as the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, the Papacy, reformers such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Martin Bucer and Zwingli, and explores the resultant Counter-Reformation and the beginnings of European colonisation of other parts of the world such as South America. Its central focus is upon the conflict between Luther and Charles V. “A masterly survey by a fine historian. He has gone to great pains to understand and do justice to the theological side, and if political history is still his strength there is no doubt that this paperback in scholarship, perspective and information far outweighs in value and importance most of the hard-bound studies of the 16th century in the last fifty years.”—E. GORDON RUPP “It is extremely pleasant to welcome a new History of Europe series in which the inaugural volume is of such high merit. Dr. Elton sets himself a difficult task; the result is a book written with the bold, subtle, assured pen of an accomplished scholar.”—JOEL HURSTFIELD “Not since Ranke has any historian described the religious and political history of Central Europe during the Reformation with as much insight and authority.”—H. G. KOENIGSBERGER, History (London) “Dr. Elton has put all students in his debt by providing an up-to-date and highly readable account of the ecclesiastical, political, and social history of Europe during the vital years 1517 to 1559...This book can be unreservedly commended.”—C. W. DUGMORE, The Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Keen to learn but short on time? Get to grips with the history of the Protestant Reformation in next to no time with this concise guide. 50Minutes.com provides a clear and engaging analysis of the Protestant Reformation, which began in 1517 with the publication of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. The rest of the 16th century was defined by the resulting religious schism, which pitted the Catholic Church against an ever-growing movement that demanded far-reaching reforms in almost every area of religious life. Several heads of state converted to Protestantism, bolstering the movement, including Henry VIII, who founded the Anglican Church in 1534. However, the Reformation was also beset by internal dissent, and it quickly splintered into a number of different factions, most notably with the rise of Calvinism in Geneva. Even so, its greatest rival remained the Catholic Church, and the next two centuries were characterised by a series of religious conflicts, wars and massacres which lasted until the emergence of tolerance and secularism during the Age of Enlightenment. In just 50 minutes you will: • Discover the Catholic practices that the Reformation sought to abolish • Learn about the differing beliefs of the most prominent leaders of the Reformation • Understand the conflicts that broke out across Europe in the wake of this religious upheaval ABOUT 50MINUTES.COM | History & Culture 50MINUTES.COM will enable you to quickly understand the main events, people, conflicts and discoveries from world history that have shaped the world we live in today. Our publications present the key information on a wide variety of topics in a quick and accessible way that is guaranteed to save you time on your journey of discovery.