Corruption in the church. Political turmoil and intrigue. A clash of new ideas and ancient pagan religions. Courageous and extraordinary individuals. Doctrinal disputes that were matters of life and death.

These things and more make up what is often called the 'Reformation', that tumultuous period of European history ranging from around 1517 to the turn of the century. Unfortunately, the events, the people and ideas are generally not well known today, even though in many ways, the Reformation made our world what it is. It provided the thinking and beliefs that shaped intellectual and religious endeavour for centuries to come, down to the present day.

In this short book, Kirsten Birkett brings to us the essence of the Reformation- the social and religious soil in which it grew, the events and people which shaped it, the ideas and doctrines for which many of them died.