The Reformation: A Brief History

Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion

by Kenneth G. Appold

"The Reformation: A Brief History" is a succinct and engaging introduction to the origins and history of the Protestant Reformation. A rich overview of the Reformation, skillfully blending social, political, religious and theological dimensions A clearly and engagingly written narrative which draws on the latest and best scholarshipIncludes the history of the Reformation in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, areas that are rarely covered in any detailThe Reformation is placed in the context of the entire history of Christianity to draw out its origins, impetus, and legacy

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Church History, Religion

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 26, 2011

Reviews

[Legens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very concise, clear and accessible introduction to the Reformation with a good "Further Reading" section.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't want to be the one to write a brief history of the Reformation. The lower the page limit, the more selective and interpretive the author must be. Perils abound in such an undertaking, but Appold executes skillfully. The Reformation is introduced as a period in which various tensions accumulating throughout the Middle Ages "settled" into outcomes that would persist into the modern era. The epilogue offers some insightful remarks on who benefited and suffered from the Reformation, and how. Additionally, this book has one of the best accounts anywhere of the Scandinavian reformations.

The lack of space means that some themes get axed. Theology receives very little coverage in this book except for the main points of Luther's contention with Rome. Luther dominates the book, though he is the obvious choice if limited to one in-depth biography. Such strict principles of exclusion enable what is perhaps the book's greatest achievement, an unhurried pace. The reader is not crowded by details and even encounters at times a wry wit. I do wonder whether it was necessary to go into so much depth on some of the medieval power struggles; about 20% of the book was introduction.

This book is very well suited for two audiences: 1) people who are unwilling to read a larger book; and 2) classes on early modern Europe that cover a much broader scope than just the Reformation.

[John Crippen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Other than the fact that this short book does not cover the Reformation in England, it was a very good introduction to the Reformation overall. A reader could start here as their first book on the subject, but I still recommend listening to The Rest is History podcast episodes 433 through 437 first. Appold comes across as a bit of an apologist for Catholicism (maybe?) and the book borders on something you might read in an undergraduate theology class (IIRC), but it does a good job of covering a lot of ground in less than 200 pages.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

It provided a good overview of the Early continental Reformation a little heavy on the Anabaptist.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and helpful. Good concise history.

[Briana Grenert · Rating 5 out of 5]

We used this book for Dr. Appold's "Survey of Reformation History" course. He is an incredible professor and an excellent writer!

[John Chaves]

Educational.