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A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation: Commemorating 500 years of Popes, Protestants, Reformers, Radicals and Other Assorted Irritants
500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his ideas to a church door - and the Reformation began. Or maybe it was a little more complicated than that. Nick Page brings his skills as an unlicensed historian to bear on this key period in European (and world) history in order to uncover everything you need to know about the Reformation - with a fair few bits you never wanted to know thrown in for good measure.Historians tell us that the Protestant Reformation laid the foundations for the Industrial Revolution, religious freedom, and all sorts of other Good Things. But what actually happened? Who were the winners and the losers, the ogres and the beauty queens of this key moment in church history? ( there weren't any beauty queens)In-depth research, historical analysis and cutting-edge guesswork combine to scintillating effect in this fast-moving examination of the strange and wonderful whirlwind that was church life in late medieval Europe.'You were predestined to read this.' John Calvin
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2017
21 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Nick Page
200 books47 followersNick Page lives in Oxfordshire, UK, with his wife Claire, their three daughters and a dog called Bill.
As well as writing books, he works with a number of campaign groups and NGOs. He is also a popular speaker for churches, church weekends and other events. events, etc.
His main focus is on church history – particularly the early church. Recent work includes A Nearly Infallible History of Christianity, and the Longest Week trilogy.
As well as writing many books for adults (or at least those who think they are adult) he has also written many books for children.
As well as writing books, he works with a number of campaign groups and NGOs. He is also a popular speaker for churches, church weekends and other events. events, etc.
His main focus is on church history – particularly the early church. Recent work includes A Nearly Infallible History of Christianity, and the Longest Week trilogy.
As well as writing many books for adults (or at least those who think they are adult) he has also written many books for children.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 2, 2017
A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation – Horrible Histories for Adults
Usually when you read books about church history they are serious and heavy tomes, giving all due respect and deference, the church sometimes does not need or require. But Nick Page has written a funny account that will at times will make you laugh out loud a sense of humour is definitely required if you are going to read it, and not be easily offended. This is definitely a Horrible Histories style of book for adults, and they may just retain some of the facts, or the funnier stories.
The book is packed with facts, even some ‘biblical’ facts, it is not a perfect history and as the title tells you it is not aiming to be, it is irony at its best. At times things may seem to be rather unbalanced but the facts are true, even if some have been pushed to the limit of their meanings. But it is easy to see why Nick Page is a popular public speaker, as he draws his audience in, and without boring people to death, guides you through 2000 years of history, and make it a pleasure at the same time.
For those of us who are historians I suppose we are supposed to look down our collective noses at this ‘history’ but I am of the generation that believes history is open to everyone, and people like to learn in different ways. Page leads the reader via saints, sinners and kings to the various council and creeds that have become the back bone of Christianity, it is also an important reminder that what has ever happened in the Church’s history, it has influenced much of the modern world over the last 2000 years.
This really is a fun book, a horrible histories for adults.
Usually when you read books about church history they are serious and heavy tomes, giving all due respect and deference, the church sometimes does not need or require. But Nick Page has written a funny account that will at times will make you laugh out loud a sense of humour is definitely required if you are going to read it, and not be easily offended. This is definitely a Horrible Histories style of book for adults, and they may just retain some of the facts, or the funnier stories.
The book is packed with facts, even some ‘biblical’ facts, it is not a perfect history and as the title tells you it is not aiming to be, it is irony at its best. At times things may seem to be rather unbalanced but the facts are true, even if some have been pushed to the limit of their meanings. But it is easy to see why Nick Page is a popular public speaker, as he draws his audience in, and without boring people to death, guides you through 2000 years of history, and make it a pleasure at the same time.
For those of us who are historians I suppose we are supposed to look down our collective noses at this ‘history’ but I am of the generation that believes history is open to everyone, and people like to learn in different ways. Page leads the reader via saints, sinners and kings to the various council and creeds that have become the back bone of Christianity, it is also an important reminder that what has ever happened in the Church’s history, it has influenced much of the modern world over the last 2000 years.
This really is a fun book, a horrible histories for adults.
January 7, 2023
An absolute joy to read. And I'm glad to say that, because I normally find history books quite hard work. In my experience, the authors of such books do an excellent job of making their publications as painfully boring as possible. Typically, they are the sort of books where I read one page, just to realise I haven't really read or understood a single word of it, and then I give up. This book, however, is something else entirely. I am sad to finish it, but also very satisfied. It is engaging, thorough, light, and altogether excellently written.
Nick Page's writing is light and comical, and he often labels himself irreverent in his humour. He is those things, and he is very funny; there were a number of times this book actually had me laughing out loud. In contrast, though, he is also able to effectively capture and respect the tragedies and miseries of the darker sides of the Reformation. If "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn" were a parable for writing popular-level history, Nick Page would be a saint. He doesn't romanticise history, or shy away from the more gruesome aspects of the Reformation, and I feel all the more educated for that.
From the Medieval period, to the Morning Star of the Reformation, all the way through to the Counter-Reformation, and the Counter-Counter-Reformation, Nick Page offers a comprehensive overview of the whole journey. And it is told like a journey; he isn't just dealing with black and white details, but with the hearts, joys, miseries, and lives of those involved. In fact, if I were to take away one thing from this book, it would be that history is not as abstract as it often seems, but undeniably and profoundly human.
As for its accessibility, The Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation assumes no prior knowledge, and isn't nearly as intimidating as so many other books on the subject. Whether you are a novice, or a learned historian or theologian, I would highly recommend this book.
Nick Page's writing is light and comical, and he often labels himself irreverent in his humour. He is those things, and he is very funny; there were a number of times this book actually had me laughing out loud. In contrast, though, he is also able to effectively capture and respect the tragedies and miseries of the darker sides of the Reformation. If "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn" were a parable for writing popular-level history, Nick Page would be a saint. He doesn't romanticise history, or shy away from the more gruesome aspects of the Reformation, and I feel all the more educated for that.
From the Medieval period, to the Morning Star of the Reformation, all the way through to the Counter-Reformation, and the Counter-Counter-Reformation, Nick Page offers a comprehensive overview of the whole journey. And it is told like a journey; he isn't just dealing with black and white details, but with the hearts, joys, miseries, and lives of those involved. In fact, if I were to take away one thing from this book, it would be that history is not as abstract as it often seems, but undeniably and profoundly human.
As for its accessibility, The Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation assumes no prior knowledge, and isn't nearly as intimidating as so many other books on the subject. Whether you are a novice, or a learned historian or theologian, I would highly recommend this book.
January 9, 2025
At points, this is a fantastic read. At points, the historians ability (or lack thereof) to remain neutral is sigh inducing.
This copy, along with the 'Nearly infallible History of Christianity' are undeniably hilarious. Nick Page takes content which has for so long been viewed as dull, drab and callused; and transmutes them into a page turning, comedic, light-hearted retelling of history. When people tell me they 'don't like boring history books,' I will point them this way. He manages to turn a very bloodied and gruesome history of the church into quite an exciting and entertaining read.
That being said, whilst the jovial nature is a strength, Page is embarrassingly non-neutral. The task of a historian is to present the facts, with as little internal colour as possible. This does not happen. His Bias against branches of the church is telling, and undermines his other portions.
While fun, and witty, I'll return to this book when I need a laugh, rather than when I want to read history. A bit like Horrible Histories for adults.
This copy, along with the 'Nearly infallible History of Christianity' are undeniably hilarious. Nick Page takes content which has for so long been viewed as dull, drab and callused; and transmutes them into a page turning, comedic, light-hearted retelling of history. When people tell me they 'don't like boring history books,' I will point them this way. He manages to turn a very bloodied and gruesome history of the church into quite an exciting and entertaining read.
That being said, whilst the jovial nature is a strength, Page is embarrassingly non-neutral. The task of a historian is to present the facts, with as little internal colour as possible. This does not happen. His Bias against branches of the church is telling, and undermines his other portions.
While fun, and witty, I'll return to this book when I need a laugh, rather than when I want to read history. A bit like Horrible Histories for adults.
January 17, 2021
Not as witty as his other book on the history of christianity but i do enjoy popular history with a sense of humour and it’s very readable.
June 30, 2018
I started reading two books about the reformation at a similar time, and they are very very different books. The other (which I’m still reading) is very dry and serious and hard to get into, but Nick Page manages to take a topic (like Church history) which could be quite boring or unexciting and make it a joy to read.
Filled with amusing little sketches and footnotes which frequently made me laugh out loud and interrupt my husband to make him read them too, Page really brought the history to life and made me eager continue learning.
I also really enjoyed the fact-files of major ‘characters’ of the reformation, styled like top-trump cards (if you remember those), they really helped to reinforce the people in my mind, so many names that I’d never heard of but are central to shaping the way that we worship in our Church now.
Starting this book, I am ashamed to say that I knew absolutely nothing of the reformation, I had always thought that the protestant/catholic split was instigated by Henry VIII, but the history of it starts much before that and doesn’t even originate in England. I received a really worthwhile history lesson from this book, and it was way more fun than high-school history lessons!
As much as I was sad for the book to be over, I liked this quote that Page used in his wrapping up chapter:
At 464 pages, it’s a lengthy book, but because of the writing style, it felt like it was over all too soon. I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about the reformation and I’m very glad I’ve got 2 other Nick Page books to move onto next!
Posted on: http://emmaloui.se/2018/06/30/nick-pa...
Filled with amusing little sketches and footnotes which frequently made me laugh out loud and interrupt my husband to make him read them too, Page really brought the history to life and made me eager continue learning.
I also really enjoyed the fact-files of major ‘characters’ of the reformation, styled like top-trump cards (if you remember those), they really helped to reinforce the people in my mind, so many names that I’d never heard of but are central to shaping the way that we worship in our Church now.
Starting this book, I am ashamed to say that I knew absolutely nothing of the reformation, I had always thought that the protestant/catholic split was instigated by Henry VIII, but the history of it starts much before that and doesn’t even originate in England. I received a really worthwhile history lesson from this book, and it was way more fun than high-school history lessons!
As much as I was sad for the book to be over, I liked this quote that Page used in his wrapping up chapter:
“One of the key lessons to be learned from the reformation is this: if you ask people to think for themselves, don’t be surprised when they do exactly that”
At 464 pages, it’s a lengthy book, but because of the writing style, it felt like it was over all too soon. I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about the reformation and I’m very glad I’ve got 2 other Nick Page books to move onto next!
Posted on: http://emmaloui.se/2018/06/30/nick-pa...
December 31, 2020
First of all, I'm adjusting my rating system as I end 2020 and enter 2021.
5 stars = buying for myself and others
4 stars = buying for myself
3 stars = I like it, but I'm not buying it (but I'm not opposed to receiving it...lol)
2 stars = I'm not buying it (don't bother buying it for me)
1 star = I'm definitely not buying it
I bought this book, and I bought it for a nephew so we could discuss it during 2020. The thing is 2020 had its own ideas of how life should go, and it's not much of a book for discussion. Our discussion went something like this:
Did you know about this?
No, but wasn't that awful and no wonder people say Christianity has so much violence in it.
Yeah, good thing, Nick makes reading history fun.
Now about the fact that it took me an entire year to read the book (well, see above, 2020), but it's also like a history textbook except not like a history textbook: it's actually enjoyable to read. It's enjoyable and informative. Still, I didn't have to take a test so why read it as if I were cramming for a test?
I would read any of Nick Page's books (when I can get them here in the US) because my General Gloominess factor is very low (but then again my hat quality is very low also -- you'll have to read the book to understand :D).
5 stars = buying for myself and others
4 stars = buying for myself
3 stars = I like it, but I'm not buying it (but I'm not opposed to receiving it...lol)
2 stars = I'm not buying it (don't bother buying it for me)
1 star = I'm definitely not buying it
I bought this book, and I bought it for a nephew so we could discuss it during 2020. The thing is 2020 had its own ideas of how life should go, and it's not much of a book for discussion. Our discussion went something like this:
Did you know about this?
No, but wasn't that awful and no wonder people say Christianity has so much violence in it.
Yeah, good thing, Nick makes reading history fun.
Now about the fact that it took me an entire year to read the book (well, see above, 2020), but it's also like a history textbook except not like a history textbook: it's actually enjoyable to read. It's enjoyable and informative. Still, I didn't have to take a test so why read it as if I were cramming for a test?
I would read any of Nick Page's books (when I can get them here in the US) because my General Gloominess factor is very low (but then again my hat quality is very low also -- you'll have to read the book to understand :D).
January 24, 2024
I read this book before and enjoyed it immensely but before posting a review I reread part of it again, most of it, and enjoyed it just as much. In all sorts of ways it is the sort of book I can easily dislike but underneath the jokes (and I really did enjoy the profiles of various reformers, popes, rulers, etc. which ranked them on everything from ideas to facial hair and hats - really first rate - how many stupid hats men used to wear - literally for centuries!) is a solid foundation of well researched and thought out facts. If you are already interested in or have read about the reformation period you may not learn anything new but you will find it compulsively readable. If the subject is new then it is an excellent introduction before embarking on really first rate histories like Diarmaid MacCulloch's 'The Reformation: A History'.
This is a book that could have been very bad but is very good.
This is a book that could have been very bad but is very good.
April 3, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this book, usually I really enjoy Nick Page’s sense of humour but I think in this one he just tried too hard. Slightly misleading sub title ( commemorating 500 years of popes, Protestants, reformers, radicals and other assorted irritants) the book begins around 1517 and sort of ends around the mid 1600’s , so not really 500 years then. Lots of interesting facts presented in his own unique style and it has made me think that maybe I should read a bit more of the history of this period. I tried when I was younger but got kind of bogged down, finding it a bit dull. I definitely learned some things from this, including the fact that theologically I probably don’t see things the way the author does. I’m not sure if I would recommend it, probably will appeal most to UK readers.
December 23, 2018
Nicely written and informative. Wouldn’t normally read an informal book for this kind of topic but thought I’d try something a bit different and glad I did. The book is structured really well and keeps things relatively light-hearted throughout.
The jokes, though, are not the best and so it can be really annoying when there’s a reference to a footnote and instead of providing more information, you break your flow just for a joke that really didn’t need to be there.
Nicks dislike for Calvin shows through and tries to oversimplify his writings on the sovereignty of God and predestination in order to somewhat vilify Calvin or portray Calvinism as an arrogant, unhelpful and unbiblical perspective. All of which I have to strongly disagree.
The jokes, though, are not the best and so it can be really annoying when there’s a reference to a footnote and instead of providing more information, you break your flow just for a joke that really didn’t need to be there.
Nicks dislike for Calvin shows through and tries to oversimplify his writings on the sovereignty of God and predestination in order to somewhat vilify Calvin or portray Calvinism as an arrogant, unhelpful and unbiblical perspective. All of which I have to strongly disagree.
February 17, 2021
I’m quite a fan of Nick Page. Like one of the reviews on the front cover of this book, it is ‘witty and informative’. And in what is a pretty serious topic some light and laugh out loud moments helps to make this a very worthwhile read. I personally found the Calvinist and Arminian introduction helpful. It was interesting reading about both perspectives. At this point I think I flip flopped between the both. The book encouraged me to do some wider and deeper thinking and research.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2025
Both comic and informative, this book makes it quite clear that the early “greats” of the Reformation weren’t committed to the individual’s freedom to read the Bible for himself and make his own decisions—they were committed only to THEIR freedom to read and decide for everyone else. Excommunication, exile and even execution were tools against those who disagreed. Too bad the current crop of American “evangelicals” can’t learn a lesson from history.
August 14, 2017
Fascinating, funny and very informative. I love the review that calls this horrible histories for grown ups. Nick Page has the same wry tone as authors like Bill Bryson and it really works for subjects that could otherwise be rather dry. I did spot one error in my copy, which was a shame.... although it did make me feel rather smug for spotting it.
December 3, 2019
A real page turner loads of information and content as hinted by the rather long title.
This was a real pleasure to read and very enlightening, the sarcastic and negative tone grates a bit, but it is not meant to be a hagiography of the major enlightenment figures.
Need to read more Nick.
This was a real pleasure to read and very enlightening, the sarcastic and negative tone grates a bit, but it is not meant to be a hagiography of the major enlightenment figures.
Need to read more Nick.
April 16, 2022
Both informative and witty, this is a great way to learn about the complications and complexities of a fascinating yet tumultuous period in European history. It’s slightly un-PC in parts, but a great read nonetheless.
June 21, 2022
A highly amusing read. And educational as well.
My favourite bits were the Top Trump cards of the various reformers scoring their various attributes such as theological importance, facial hair, general gloominess, hat quality & propensity to violence.
My favourite bits were the Top Trump cards of the various reformers scoring their various attributes such as theological importance, facial hair, general gloominess, hat quality & propensity to violence.
September 14, 2018
A funny rip roaring dash through the history of the Reformation. Enjoyable and informative.
December 21, 2018
Very entertaining and informative!
January 4, 2019
A history book that sucks you in. Interesting and keeps you reading.
July 11, 2020
Enjoyable
This is a very informative and fun history of the reformation. Lots of jokes but lots of good facts also
This is a very informative and fun history of the reformation. Lots of jokes but lots of good facts also
November 20, 2021
Enjoyed this!
A fun look at history. Informative but relaxed. I feel like I’ve learned a lot, would recommend. Loved the style
A fun look at history. Informative but relaxed. I feel like I’ve learned a lot, would recommend. Loved the style
April 12, 2022
The history is excellent, but far too many jokes. I think it’s safe to say people who are interested in learning about the Reformation aren’t looking for a lot of laughs.
July 26, 2023
such a funny book that makes this long and complicated history interesting and engaging.
October 29, 2024
Excellent
November 2, 2017
I’m no historian but I love reading about history and this was written in a very readable, funny, fast paced style so I felt both informed and entertained at the same time. By the end of the book I was beginning to feel fatigued by the negativity but I think that’s a result of choosing the most gruesome, disturbing, entertaining parts of history to focus on. Like another reviewer said - a horrible history for adults! I do feel like there wasn’t a single person of kindness in the whole period of the reformation after reading this book, which couldn’t possible be true. Those people (or those aspects of people) must be simply too boring to linger over. But then, the clue in is in the title: other assorted irritants! I really did enjoy reading it though - couldn’t put it down! - and would highly recommend it to anyone else interested in learning about the people of the reformation.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews