Heretics and Believers

A History of the English Reformation

By: Peter Marshall

Narrated by: Napoleon Ryan

Centuries on, what the Reformation was and what it accomplished remain deeply contentious. Peter Marshall's sweeping new history argues that 16th-century England was a society neither desperate for nor allergic to change, but one open to ideas of "reform" in various competing guises. King Henry VIII wanted an orderly, uniform Reformation, but his actions opened a Pandora's Box from which pluralism and diversity flowed and rooted themselves in English life.

With sensitivity to individual experience as well as masterfully synthesizing historical and institutional developments, Marshall frames the perceptions and actions of people great and small, from monarchs and bishops to ordinary families and ecclesiastics, against a backdrop of profound change that altered the meanings of "religion" itself. This engaging history reveals what was really at stake in the overthrow of Catholic culture and the reshaping of the English Church.

©2017 Peter Marshall (P)2018 Tantor

A heavy read but well worth it.

If you are looking for a general overview of the English Reformation then this book isn't for you. It covers a relatively narrow era of English history but explains in great detail how the English Reformation is unique compared to the greater Protestant Reformation of Europe. If you're a student of history then you will not be dissatisfied with this book.

The even handed and detailed handling of the issues

The scholarship is first rate; the balance between different ideas and beliefs, the involvement of the historical background without it taking the place of the central conflicts in belief of English Christianity up to and through the Tudor period. This is a book that is best appreciated by those who have some knowledge of both English history and theological ideas.

Good but Dry

This was a well written and well researched book, but I think for anyone without an intense interest in the subject or an academic motivation it might be dry and a long read. I wanted an overview of the English Reformation and this book provided that but it was not as enjoyable and I didn’t get as much out of it as I hoped.

How not to Read a Book Aloud

The worst reader I've ever heard on Audible. He cares far more for the sound of his own voice than he does about conveying the meaning of what he is reading.

well researched but with significant gaps

A comprehensive and well researched analysis of the English Reformation. However it suffers from too narrow a focus with too much emphasis on the clergy and policy makers of the time and very little on the faith of the common people. It glosses or summarises too briefly the violence that ensued and its consequences. It does not touch on the English Reformation's most famous export, the american colonists. Overall the book's heavy reliance on primary sources is to be commended but I recommend it solely for those studying history and theology.

I believe in the context of this book!

Well written, researched and delivered. May the world understand why Henry chose to break with the Pope and become the head of the church. No it was not just the kings great problem!

Expansive academic study of the leaders

Excellent detailed sociological, political, and religious history of the strange upheaval of the 16th century showing its tragic, often immoral and unjust nature. How well-meaning humans dutifully caused much horror in the name of Christ.