A collection of direct writings and translations from people involved in the Reformation, starting in the late middle ages and running through the Catholic Counter-reformation, approximately from 1400-1600 AD. The 3 star rating isn't because there's anything wrong with the book. It's thorough, well documented, and makes it's points well. It's just that much of the writing of this era is hard reading. It's a textbook. I can't honestly say I ever remember really liking, let alone been amazed by a textbook.
It’s hard to rate a reference book, in my opinion. But this was a wonderful addition to my coursework, and it’s filled with sources that are helpful for any person interested in the history of the Protestant church tradition.
Required text for class. This was a well informative book on the varying Christian religions during The Reformation in Europe. The book also focuses on primary sources, which is nice. It transports the reader into the thinking that was considered "radical" at the time. It also displays diverse ideas. The printing press was huge and allowed access to ideas, especially books like the bible. I would argue that this is a great compilation of primary documents on the editor's part. There are different types of primary documents selected throughout the chapters such as speeches, sermons, laws, diaries, letters, etc. Great read for primary sources.