This is the second, amended and enlarged edition of a familiar standard work, first published in 1958. Like its predecessor, it describes the open conflicts of the Reformation from Luther's first challenge to the uneasy peace of the 1560's. Reforming movements in all the principal countries are discussed, against the background of constitutional development and the political struggles of the ruling dynasties. Europe's relations with the outside world are given due prominence. The second edition incorporates the results of some thirty years of further research and fills some of the gaps, especially in the history of central Europe, which beset the first edition. All chapters which remain from 1958 have been revised, some very substantially.

"...the treatment of the period is well-balanced and ideally suited to the needs of any reader who wishes to gain a sound grounding. The original Reformation volume of the New Cambridge Modern History had quickly established itself as an exceedingly fine and useful work of reference. The revised second edition ensures that the book will retain this status for decades to come." Canadian Journal of History/Annales canadiennes d'histoire

"...the new edition does a masterful job of depicting the various forms of religious radicalism and elucidating the differences between them....a harmonious and comprehensive survey....remains a modern classic, which we are happy to have in its new form." Ralph Keen, The Sixteenth Century Journal