-No revolution however drastic has ever involved a total repudiation of what came before it.-

The religious reformations of the sixteenth century were the crucible of modern Western civilization, profoundly reshaping the identity of Europe's emerging nation-states. In The Reformation, one of the preeminent historians of the period, Patrick Collinson, offers a concise yet thorough overview of the drastic ecumenical revolution of the late medieval and Renaissance eras. In looking at the sum effect of such disparate elements as the humanist philosophy of...

This England is a celebration of 'Englishness' in the sixteenth century, and examines the growing conviction of 'Englishness' through the rapidly developing English language; the reinforcement of cultural nationalism as a result of the Protestant Reformation; the national and international situation of England at a time of acute national catastrophe; and of Queen Elizabeth I, the last of her line, who remained unmarried throughout her reign, refusing to even discuss the succession to her throne. In a series of essays, Collinson explores the conviction among leading Elizabethans that they were...

A major study of the Elizabethan Puritan movement, as seen through the eyes of its most determined opponent, Richard Bancroft.

This volume provides a sophisticated yet accessible account of the transformation of the British Isles in the sixteenth century. Six thematic chapters explore the changes in the English monarchical polity, ranging widely to consider the new relationships between the different parts of the British Isles and the establishment of a national, royal, and protestant church. Separate chapters consider Britain's overseas role; the economy and society; and the literary and cultural development in this period which felt the impact of the English Bible and Shakespeare.

The age of Elizabeth I continues to exercise a fascination unmatched by other periods of English history. Yet while the leading figures may seem familiar, many Elizabethan figures, including the queen herself, remain enigmatic. In Elizabethans Patrick Collinson examines the religious beliefs both of Elizabeth and of Shakespeare, as well as redrawing the main features of the political and religious structure of the reign. He understands the characters of the period as individuals but is also sensitive to the attitudes and beliefs of the day.

Three leading scholars examine one of the oldest professorships, the Lady Margaret's Chair of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. Graham Stanton, current holder, writes an introduction considering theology at Cambridge before 1502 and after 1649. In two subsequent chapters (delivered as lectures at an event in March 2002 to celebrate the five-hundredth anniversary of the Chair), Richard Rex offers an account of the establishment of the Professorship in 1502 and Patrick Collinson addresses the extent to which early incumbents were involved in the religious and political turmoil of the...

This volume brings together reformation and reception studies by exploring the relationship between reformations on the European continent and in Britain. Its eleven papers shed new light on familiar associations, draw attention to under-explored relationships, and identify how British reception in turn contributed to continued reform on the continent. Different aspects of reception from biblical translation and book history to popular politics and theological polemic are addressed. The volume also prompts further questions regarding British integration and the perception (and invention) of...

Patrick Collinson is the leading historian of English religion in the years after the Reformation. This collection of essays ranges from Thomas Cranmer, who was burnt at the stake after repeated recantations in 1556, to William Sancroft, the only other post-Reformation archbishop of Canterbury to have been deprived of office. Patrick Collinson's work explores the complex interactions between the inclusive and exclusive tendencies in English Protestantism, focusing both on famous figures, such as John Foxe and Richard Hooker, and on the individual reactions of lesser figures to the religious...

'...a masterly study.' Alister McGrath, Theological Book Review '...a splendid read.' J.J.Scarisbrick, TLS '...profound, witty...of immense value.' David Loades, History Today Historians have always known that the English Reformation was more than a simple change of religious belief and practice. It altered the political constitution and, according to Max Weber, the attitudes and motives which governed the getting and investment of wealth, facilitating the rise of capitalism and industrialisation. This book investigates further implications of the transformative religious changes of the...

'...a masterly study.' Alister McGrath, Theological Book Review '...a splendid read.' J.J.Scarisbrick, TLS '...profound, witty...of immense value.' David Loades, History Today Historians have always known that the English Reformation was more than a simple change of religious belief and practice. It altered the political constitution and, according to Max Weber, the attitudes and motives which governed the getting and investment of wealth, facilitating the rise of capitalism and industrialisation. This book investigates further implications of the transformative religious changes of the...