The scope of this book includes background to the reformation the reformation and "second reformation" on up through the 17th century. It explains clearly the theological aspects as well as the political ramifications. I found it amazing how much information was covered here in only 700 pages. ( )

Superb one-volume history of the Reformation, including masterful chapters on the English Reformation. MacCulloch is well informed of recent theories of Cathlolic/Protestant history, particularly those of Eamon Duffy in his important work, "The Stripping of the Altars." MacCulloch gives short shrift to the 30 Years War and to the political and legal developments both preceding and following that War. But this is not a military history; it is a history of ideas, and on that sole basis the book succeeds admirably! ( )

Not only an excellent one-volume history of a confused and confusing time, but also a necessary book for anyone who wants to understand Christianity today by understanding where it came from. MacCulloch's examination of the period from just before Martin Luther until the entry of protestantism (and Calvinism) into the Americas explains not only the politics but the beliefs that fueled the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, the Thirty Years War, and the rise of Anglicanism. After reading this book, I have a better understanding of Protestant doctrines and how they are different from Catholicism, how they are the same, and why the schism occurred. I expect few who espouse those beliefs have examined them as well as MacCulloch, and the effect is enlightening. ( )

I've given it five stars. It deserves them but it is not a quick read. It is one of those history books that is packed with information, and no matter how well it is passed on to you the sheer weight of it will slow you down. Despite a module at undergraduate that was nominally on "European History 1500-1800", much of this was new to me, which may say more about my commitment as an undergraduate than the book of course.
This book does exactly what it says and covers the international and internal politics and wars of the major European states, the ins and outs of theological disputes (which left my head spinning far more than the politics) and also social change (ranging from witches to sex to commerce).
Some of the author's odd quirks - the "British Isles" are the "Atlantic Isles" throughout - could have seemed gimmicky but actually meant that you ended up challenging the lazy match of present attitudes to the past (and indeed whether such attitudes aren't pretty problematic in the present as well).
The other point of contemporary relevance is pretty simple - whenever anyone says "Western Europe had the reformation and counter-reformation, and this is why we are modern and enlightened etc etc etc", remember that even if this seems true in hindsight (which I am not entirely sure I accept) it is only true in the very long run. The reformation was chaotic and the most partisan states and individuals were true fanatics. In challenging (as just one example) the myths of English moderation as opposed to the excesses of the Spanish inquisition this is an even-handed and eye-opening book as well.
It gives great insight into a formative period in European (and world) history and as an absolute surprise find was one of the best buys of this year. ( )

This is a long and dense book so if you are looking for something to casually read about the Reformation, this is not the book for you. The author does a superb job in researching this topic and goes into immense detail. However, reading that much detail does get tedious after awhile. I would only recommend this book to someone who seriously wants to learn more about the Reformation and everything that went into it. ( )