The "early modern period" owes its beginnings primarily to three reformers: Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Calvin. Although their intent may never have been as grand as the results of their actions, all three men influenced the thinking of the Western world and are appropriately recognized throughout this informative text on the Reformation. Well-chosen details draw a clear picture of the social, artistic, political, and, especially, religious climate of the sixteenth century that led to rapid and dramatic shifts. In the first essays, the text clearly explains why Europe was ripe for change and what factors (church corruption, the printing press, new Bible translations) fueled the changes that reshaped history. Each essay, though scholarly in style, is made more palatable for teen readers by a brief preface that summarizes the content and provides credentials of the contributing expert.
