This accessible general history of the Reformation in the Netherlands traces the key developments in the process of reformation – both Protestant and Catholic – across the whole of the Low Countries during the sixteenth century. Synthesizing fifty years' worth of scholarly literature, Christine Kooi focuses particularly on the political context of the era: how religious change took place against the integration and disintegration of the Habsburg composite state in the Netherlands. Special attention is given to the Reformation's role in both fomenting and fuelling the Revolt against the Habsburg regime in the later sixteenth century, as well as how it contributed to the formation of the region's two successor states, the Dutch Republic and the Southern Netherlands. Reformation in the Low Countries, 1500-1620 is essential reading for scholars and students of early modern European history, bringing together specialized, contemporary research on the Low Countries in one volume.

‘… an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the Reformation in the Netherlands, summarizing and synthesizing over half a century of scholarly secondary material. … Those interested in the story of the Reformation in the Netherlands will find Kooi’s book a solid introduction to the topic, and professors will find it a good resource for their students.’

Andrew Messmer Source: Evangelical Review of Theology

‘… a very valuable book, also for students …’

W.H.Th. Moehn Source: Theologia Reformata (in Dutch)

‘Christine Kooi’s monograph is an important and attractive addition to the field of Reformation studies. Although a great amount of scholarly research on the Reformation has been carried out and is still ongoing, a comprehensive and nuanced overview was lacking. The clear and organised presentation of the many-sided Netherlandish Reformation, the colourful writing style, and the detailed but concise discussion of fifty years of scholarship … make Reformation in the Low Countries highly recommendable for both scholars and students.’

Renske Hoff Source: Early Modern Low Countries

‘… finding an excellent balance between synthesis and analysis, Christine Kooi brilliantly fills a historiographical gap, that of the Reformation in the Netherlands. … For the broad critical gaze and the witty and complete investigation, this work by Kooi is destined to long remain on desks and in libraries.’

Michaela Valente Source: Riforma e movimenti religiosi (in Italian)

‘… a useful and necessary book. It is sure to be the starting point and reference for anyone today who wants to understand religion in the Low Countries in the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries.’

D. L. Noorlander Source: Church History and Religious Culture