Dickens is a well known author and historian of the Reformation period. This book focuses on the history Western Europe in the 1500s, taking as it's theme the influence of the Reformation and to a lesser degree the Counter Reformation and humanism on events of the time. It presents the influence of earlier thinkers and writers on the leading people of the Reformation and Counter Reformation: Luther, Calvin, Knox, and the various monarchs and rulers, and popes. The majority of the book covers events in what we now know as Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands (including Belgium).
For the novice reader of events of the time (including myself) be prepared for a string of people called Francis, Charles, Catherine, Henry and even William. The author does presuppose some existing knowledge of the historical events and the people. The book presents the foundation for the events of the Enlightenment: increase in knowledge and the spreading of knowledge, and the beginnings of a rush in scientific endeavour. ( )