Looking for Reformation histories...

[Philosophickle]

I'm looking for a general history book on the Reformation, as well as a biography of Arminius. If anyone could help me that'd be great. Just drop any rumors you've heard about a book, or give me a short review if you've read it.

Thanks in advance!

[Philosophickle]

[Storico]

Hi there.

I've got a few books in mind, but I've got a good book for you here on the Reformation that'll probably do for now.

One of the better ones I've read is Europe's reformations, 1450-1650 by James D. Tracy.

Here's some info on the book:

^{Table of Contents
List of Figures
Note Regarding Endnotes, References, and Abbreviations
Series Editor's Foreword
Acknowledgments
Maps
Ch. 1 Premises 3
Ch. 2 The Reformation in European Perspective 13
Ch. 3 Doctrine: Late Medieval Background 33
Ch. 4 Doctrine: Martin Luther, to 1521 47
Ch. 5 Doctrine: The German and Swiss Reformation, 1520-1526 57
Ch. 6 Doctrine: The German and Swiss Reformation, 1526-1555 73
Ch. 7 Doctrine: The European Reformations 97
Ch. 8 Politics: The Wars of Italy, 1494-1559 125
Ch. 9 Politics: Wars of Religion, 1562-1648 145
Ch. 10 Politics: The European Reformations 169
Ch. 11 Politics: England's Reformations, 1527-1660 185
Ch. 12 Society and Community: Late Medieval Background 213
Ch. 13 Society and Community: The German and Swiss Reformation 239
Ch. 14 Society and Community: Reformations across Europe 261
Ch. 15 Conclusion: Europe's Reformations in Global Perspective 287
Notes 301
Bibliography 355
Index 371
About the Author 387
Description xvii, 387 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm.
Series Critical issues in history.
Note Includes bibliographical references (p. 355-369) and index.
Summary "Europe's Reformations establishes a new standard for historians of the early modern era. In recent decades, Reformation scholars have dismantled the idea that the Middle Ages came to an abrupt end in 1517, with Martin Luther's Ninety-five Theses. Prominent historian James D. Tracy is the first scholar to synthesize this new understanding of the continuities between medieval Catholic Europe and the multiconfessional sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Tracy demonstrates that before and after 1517, religious belief was not just a matter of doctrine - it was also shaped by princely commands and by the social parameters of the local communities in which ordinary men and women lived." "Europe's Reformations stands apart from previous histories by giving due attention to each of these spheres of life and to their complex relationships with each other. Tracy illustrates how Reformation-era religious conflicts titled the balance in church - state relations in favor of the latter, so that the secular power was able to dictate the doctrinal loyalty of its subjects." "This book belongs in the library of all scholars, students, and general readers interested in the origins, events and legacy of the early modern period."--BOOK JACKET.}

If that's what you're looking for, it's WELL worth the read. It's a standard text for me, since I'm in history, but it's great for about anyone, I think.

[Philosophickle]

Thanks Storico!

I ordered it just a minute ago.

[Storico]

Thanks Storico!

I ordered it just a minute ago.

Awesome! You'll have to tell me what you think of it!

[Philosophickle]

Will do.

I am also looking for a biography on Arminius, but so far I'm in the dark. Anyone?

[One Bad Pig]

I have The Reformation: A History by Diarmaid MacCulloch, which is excellent IMO. It's a bit longer than Storico's book; the text runs to 683 pages (with another 60 pages of notes). There's also an extensive recommended reading list in the back. Storico's recommendation is listed as a good introductory text.

Can't help you with Arminius, sorry.

[James Peter]

Cameron's 'The European Reformation' (Oxford University Press). Its real strength is in its analysis of the events and factors that caused events rather than simply being descriptive.

[Philosophickle]

Thanks guys! I'm checking them out right now...