Reformation England 1480-1642

by Peter Marshall

Reformation England 1480-1642 provides a clear and accessible narrative account of the English Reformation, explaining how historical interpretations of its major themes have changed and developed over the past few decades, where they currently stand, and where they seem likely to go.

A great deal of interesting and important new work on the English Reformation has appeared recently, such as lively debates on Queen Mary's role, work on the divisive character of Puritanism, and studies on music and its part in the Reformation. The spate of new material indicates the importance and vibrancy of the topic, and also of the continued need for students and lecturers to have some means of orientating themselves among its thickets and by-ways. This revised edition takes into account new contributions to the subject and offers the author's expert judgment on their meaning and significance.

Genres: History, Christianity

272 pages, Paperback

Published April 10, 2012

About the author

Peter Marshall is Professor of History at the University of Warwick, with a particular interest in the study of religious belief and practice in sixteenth and seventeenth-century England and the cultural impact of the English Reformation. He has published widely in the field, including a survey of the period, Reformation England 1480-1642, and The Catholic Priesthood and the English Reformation, also published by Oxford University Press.

Reviews

[kaelan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great critical introduction. And I say "critical" because Peter Marshall's book is about historiography just as much as it is about history. Indeed, he probably cites upwards of a hundred critical texts over the courses of these pages—highlighting academic controversies and outlining recent developments. Of course, this means that Reformation English: 1480-1642 will be of little interest to the layperson. But nonetheless, it's an impressive work of scholarship and an effective overview of a convoluted yet fascinating period of English history.

A brief caveat: Marshall's syntax is occasionally tangled and he has a tendency to introduce a historian or historical figure by last-name only, which suggests that this book was rather hastily put together. At the very least, it might have benefited from the eye of a more perspicuous editor.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An overview of the religious ramifications of a tumultuous time in England's history. The author presents multiple views of each period which gives a balanced portrayal of "real" history, rather than relying on trite assumptions of the past. This is a great starting point for understanding the Reformation in England.

[Inwoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was recommended in a books by Carl R. Trueman and J. V. Fesko. This work was critical for me in helping me put Perkins in his historical context. It was a pleasure reading this through.