Mark Greengrass's gripping, major, original account of Europe in an era of tumultuous change

SUNDAY TIMES and FINANCIAL TIMES Books of the Year 2014

This addition to the landmark Penguin History of Europe series is a fascinating study of 16th and 17th century Europe and the fundamental changes which led to the collapse of Christendom and established the geographical and political frameworks of Western Europe as we know it.

From peasants to princes, no one was untouched by the spiritual and intellectual upheaval of this era. Martin Luther's challenge to church authority forced Christians to examine their beliefs in ways that shook the foundations of their religion. The subsequent divisions, fed by dynastic rivalries and military changes, fundamentally altered the relations between ruler and ruled. Geographical and scientific discoveries challenged the unity of Christendom as a belief-community. Europe, with all its divisions, emerged instead as a geographical projection. It was reflected in the mirror of America, and refracted by the eclipse of Crusade in ambiguous relationships with the Ottomans and Orthodox Christianity. Chronicling these dramatic changes, Thomas More, Shakespeare, Montaigne and Cervantes created works which continue to resonate with us. Christendom Destroyed is a rich tapestry that fosters a deeper understanding of Europe's identity today.

'The Penguin History of Europe series ... is one of contemporary publishing's great projects' New Statesman

The years following the Reformation were a time of tumultuous change, as Europe was torn apart.Christendom Destroyedis the rich, compelling history of an era that saw spiritual and intellectual upheaval, savage wars and revolution, yet also the birth of Europe as we know it.


About the Author
Mark Greengrass is Professor Emeritus at the University of Sheffield. His books include Governing Passions: Peace and Reform in the French Kingdoms, 1576-1585, France in the Age of Henri IV and The European Reformation, c.1500-1618.

Reviews
Mark Greengrass succeeds brilliantly in bringing to life a vanished world that is consistently strange and surprising-and sometimes disturbing and repellent-even as he encourages us to recognise the ways in which it prefigures our own -- Peter Marshall * Literary Review *
The Penguin History of Europe series ... is one of contemporary publishing's great projects * New Statesman *



Book Information
ISBN 9780141978529
Author Mark Greengrass
Format Paperback
Page Count 752
Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 540g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 126mm * 38mm