The latest volume in the “Reclaiming Catholic History” series documents the era from 1350 to 1650, incorporating the years leading up to the Protestant Reformation and its aftermath. The series aims to present an unbiased and objective timeline of “Christian history” - ostensibly a “just the facts” from “God’s point of view” - whilst making the story accessible and entertaining. I am not a Christian, but I applaud any attempt at an overview of history from a more honest and human perspective.
The title of the book is a statement of intent - this was the era of not just THE Reformation, but of many. The authors, Joseph T. Stuart and Barbara A. Stuart, offer a contemporary and modern reassessment of the Reformation that is never boring, writing accessibly and vividly to bring the era and it’s people to life. Towering historical figures such as Thomas More, Johanes Gutenberg (whose printing press would have a profound effect on the accessibility of the Reformation) and of course Martin Luther, a personal hero of mine. Rightly remembered as the instigator of change, this book shows that the genesis of that change had begun much earlier.
The book includes a chronological timeline of the era from 1350 to 1650, a map, bibliography and a full index. Sidebars entitled “Up Close And Personal” give concise biographies of the key players of the time, and the “You Be The Judge” panels invite the reader to make up their own mind about events and institutions such as the Spanish Inquisition; the latter having many of its enduring myths debunked.
This book was a refreshing read. It looks at history from a new perspective whilst remaining eminently scholarly, and deserves to be widely read.

Those not willing or who do not have the time to tackle Diarmaid MacCulloch's The Reformation: A History will find a suitable alternative in this slim volume. Weighing in at less than 200 pages (vs. 800 for MacColluch's tome), much of the same ground is covered and, surprisingly, with the same amount of balance. Luther, rather than being portrayed as the devil incarnate, is instead shown in a rather sympathetic light. Whether, as I suspect, this is due to the authors' embrace of post-Vatican II Catholic theology, or an attempt to present opposition views in the best possible light is of minor concern - the process is followed throughout the book and allows it to surmount mere partisanship.

The book, authored by two educators, is written in lively, accessible prose, drawing the reader in with well-defined portraits of major players from all sides of the reformations. Terms are defined, ideas are explored, both commonalities and differences are fleshed out. In the work's conclusion, the authors explore the legacy of the reformations for today's faithful in a wide-ranging manner. This ends the book on a high note, leaving the reader with the desire to explore this era more fully.

The Church and the Age of Reformations is well suited for many purposes: as an introduction to the subject for teens and adults in both conventional and homeschool settings, as a resource and jumping-off point for further exploration, and as a quick reference. As part of the *Reclaiming Catholic History* series, it succeeds admirably and would be a valuable addition to any thinking person's library. Highly Recommended. Available April 2022.