"The Reformation" (1500—1650) provides an overview of the European world from the late-15th to the mid-17th century. From Columbus's discovery of the New World to the grisly beheading of England's Charles I, the Reformation was a period of restless exploration, and often bloody, religious and political protest. Martin Luther, William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, and the Italian astronomer Galileo are among the historic figures vividly described in this richly illustrated text. Challenging map exercises and provocative review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. Tests and answer keys included.

Reminding us that the Genevan Reformation does not begin and end with John Calvin, this book provides an introduction to Guillaume Farel (1489-1565), one of several important yet often overlooked French-speaking reformers. Born in 1489 near Gap, France, Farel was an important first-generation French-speaking Reformer and one of the most influential early leaders of the Reform movement in what is now French-speaking Switzerland. Educated in Paris, he slowly began to question Catholic orthodoxy, and by the 1520s was an active protestant preacher, resulting in his exile to Switzerland. Part of Farel's aggressive work in this area brought him to Geneva several times, where in 1535 and 1536 he secured votes in favour of the Reform, and later in 1536 persuaded the young theologian John Calvin to stay. Farel also penned Geneva's confession of faith of that year and their ecclesiastical articles of the next. As such, this volume underlines the fact that Calvin entered the reform movement in Geneva in a situation in which Farel had been already deeply involved. To better understand that situation, the book is divided into two parts. The first provides a rich and nuanced portrait of Farel's early thought by way of interpretive essays; the second section offers translations of a number of Farel's key texts. These translations include some of the first widely-accessible full-length translations of Farel's work into English. Offering both a scholarly overview of Farel and his life, and access to his own words, this book demonstrates the importance of Farel to the Reformation. It will be welcomed not only by scholars engaged in research on French reform movements, but also by students of history, theology, or literature wishing to read some of the earliest theological texts originally written in French.

The most ambitious one-volume survey of the Reformation yet, this book is beautifully illustrated throughout. The strength of this work is its breadth and originality, covering the Church, art, Calvinism and Luther.

The Protestant Reformation looks at one of the greatest upheavals of the Western world. It starts with the context of the time and the provocation of Indulgences. It goes on to explain Luther's "protest," its theological implications, how the protest escalated, and the Catholic Church's response. It concludes with an analysis of how the Reformation helped launch the modern age. The Best One-Hour History series is for those who want a quick but coherent overview of major historical events. It will also serve those who need a competent high-level introduction before going further. Each volume provides a clear and concise account of the episode under discussion. In about an hour, the reader will obtain a well-grounded understanding of why each subject holds iconic status in Western Civilization.

"An updated text based on James I. Good's Famous women of the Reformed Church."

"Inside Christianity" covers the development, spread, teachings, practices, holy days, and festivals of the world's largest religion. In addition to valuable historical and practical information, this book provides review questions, questions for discussion, key word lists, a test, and an answer key. These features facilitate student assimilation of the fundamentals of a religion practiced by an estimated 2 billion people around the globe. Whether your objective is a comprehensive study of Christianity or a simple overview, this book affords you the opportunity to easily accomplish either one. You will be delighted to observe your students' growing understanding of how the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth changed the course of history.

"The Age of Absolutism" (1650—1789) covers the final years of the last great European monarchies and the divestiture of monarchical power through reform and revolution. Emphasis is given to the absolute reign of Louis XIV of France, and the growth of constitutional monarchy in late-17th century England. Enlightenment thinkers, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke, and their theorectical impact on the unraveling of royal power and the revolutions in France and America are discussed. Challenging map exercises and provocative review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. Tests and answer keys included.

"The Renaissance" (1300—1500) provides an overview of the years from the Late Middle Ages through the Renaissance. Special emphasis is given to the natural and political disasters that ravaged 14th-century Europe, as well as the unprecedented intellectual, cultural, and artistic flourishing of the 15th and 16th centuries. The Black Death, The Hundred Years' War, the invention of the printing press, the birth of humanism, and the life of Leonardo da Vinci are among the dramatic events vividly documented in this richly illustrated text. Challenging map exercises and provocative review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. Tests and answer keys are included.

"The American Colonies" provides a detailed and richly illustrated overview of the trials of Europeans in the New World. From the earliest primitive encampments on the Atlantic seacoast to the settled societies of the later colonial period, this book vividly describes the disastrous first years, the strained reliance on native peoples, the horrors of the African slave trade, and deteriorating relations with England, which stand in marked contrast to the hope, strength, resilience, and determination with which colonialists carved a nation out of the North American wilderness. Challenging review questions encourage meaningful reflection and historical analysis. Maps, tests, answer key, and extensive bibliography are included.