The Catholic Reformation

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Summary: A general overview of Catholic reformation
Review: Author of the book, Michael A. Mullett, is a senior lecturer in history at the University of Lancaster. Book is written to give a general overview of the religious, political, and cultural history of the time of Catholic Reformation that took place in early modern Europe (16th century). While acknowledging that transformation of Catholicism at this period was to a great extent a response to the Protestant Reformation, he emphasizes an enduring tradition of reformism in the Catholic Church. The title of the book is "Catholic Reformation" instead of traditional "Counter-Reformation" to stresses the stimulative, accelerating effect of Protestant movement on Catholic reform, not the causative effect. First Mullett considers continuities of Catholic reform in a series of late-medieval councils, in papacy, episcopacy, and religious orders. Then he examines the council of Trent, establishment of new religious orders, implementation of reforms in dioceses. In the second part he is showing how huge impact in various countries the Catholic renewal had on the lives of ordinary people, their culture, arts, attitudes, and relationships. Book has notes rich with bibliographical information, index of names of persons, places, and works. The book is suitable for a general educated reader. It is pretty readable. Some knowledge of Church history is required. Not a significant source on missions and on Catholic reform in Eastern Europe, including Poland. Reading it illuminates the processes in the modern Europe and in the life of the Church today. Do not get stuck in the beginning chapters! Chapters on popular culture are interesting and easier to read too!