The English Reformation

The book I chose to review for this assignment is entitled The English Reformation by author A. G. Dickens. The book describes the processes that led to religious transformations and provides an excellent overview on the Reformation in England. The work thoroughly analyzes the political, economical and social aspects of the Reformation in the sixteenth century. The English Reformation, first published in 1964 is a great source of information for anyone who is interested in the history of the religious transition and change.

The author of The English Reformation aims to analyze and explain the complex processes that have taken place during the reign of Henry VIII and his successors. He investigates the background and defines conditions for the religious transformation. A. G. Dickens set out to carefully examine the complex processes of the English Reformation by describing the state of the religious affairs in the late medieval England. He believes that traditional catholic religion was to some extent based on superstitious beliefs and folk‘s legends. He begins his book by telling a story of a knight who robs passing travelers but maintains a pious vigil to Virgin Mary. His devotion to Holy Mother professed by his daily prayers saves him physically and spiritually. The knight is warned of the mortal danger and allowed to change his conducts. It seems that these kinds of legends mixed with Christian sentiments were commonly absorbed by people. A. G. Dickens writes: “…its effort to attain salvation through devout observance, its fantastic emphasis on saints, relics and pilgrimages...” (4). These views were contrasted with the ideas of Lollards and the teachings of John Wycliffe. Their emphasis on sole aut...

... middle of paper ...

...n that Lollardy consists mainly of artisans and tradesmen. It seems that the rebellious ideas might have originated with educated individuals but were propagated by commoners. A. G. Dickens proves that social and economic prominence was significant in spreading the protestant ideas. He writes: “Tudor provincial society contained large mobile elements and the part played by wandering cloth-workers in the dissemination of heresy has already been observed.”(33).

The English Reformation by A. G. Dickens is an extensive and thorough account of the political and religious reality of sixteenth century England. The work examines and describes all processes that led to the religious transformation. The great events of the Henry’s reign are explained carefully, comprehensively and clearly, making the work highly regarded analysis of the English Reformation.