Published to mark the 500th anniversary of the events of 1517; Reformation Divided explores the impact in England of the cataclysmic transformations of European Christianity in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The religious revolution initiated by Martin Luther is usually referred to as 'The Reformation'; a tendentious description implying that the shattering of the medieval religious foundations of Europe was a single process; in which a defective form of Christianity was replaced by one that was unequivocally benign; 'the midwife of the modern world'. The book challenges these assumptions by tracing the ways in which the project of reforming Christendom from within; initiated by Christian 'humanists' like Erasmus and Thomas More; broke apart into conflicting and often murderous energies and ideologies; dividing not only Catholic from Protestant; but creating deep internal rifts within all the churches which emerged from Europe's religious conflicts.The book is in three parts: In 'Thomas More and Heresy'; Duffy examines how and why England's greatest humanist apparently abandoned the tolerant humanism of his youthful masterpiece Utopia; and became the bitterest opponent of the early Protestant movement. 'Counter-Reformation England' explores the ways in which post-Reformation English Catholics accommodated themselves to a complex new identity as persecuted religious dissidents within their own country; but in a European context; active participants in the global renewal of the Catholic Church. The book's final section 'The Godly and the Conversion of England' considers the ideals and difficulties of radical reformers attempting to transform the conventional Protestantism of post-Reformation England into something more ardent and committed. In addressing these subjects; Duffy shines new light on the fratricidal ideological conflicts which lasted for more than a century; and whose legacy continues to shape the modern world.
#735484 in Books Osprey Publishing 2015-05-19 2015-05-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 250.19 x .30 x 7.27l; .84 #File Name: 147280583696 pages9781472805836
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A fine survey of Caucasus campaignBy F. Carol SabinThe book covers; in a very clear manner (albeit not very in-depth; considering the book’s short length though this is not too much of a disappointment) the operations of the Axis Army Group A in Caucasus region.As usually; Dr Forczik’s book is more aimed at the more serious student of the war than the novice; but it does offer all readers a unique perspective of how the Axis forces prepared for and invaded Caucasus region in 1942-1943.The author does an excellent job in showing the origins of the campaign and the opposing forces commanders. The author is extremely knowledgeable and the book reflects this. His experience as armored expert; both as on academic and practical level; is plenty shown in this book.He offers in 60+ pages a detailed and well researched description of the campaign; focusing on the main phases and battles.I was particularly impressed by the description of mountain troops’ capabilities and battles; in fact the only area in the USSR where the mountain warfare was fully experienced. In Romania we still have some veterans who fought in 2nd and 3rd mountain divisions in Caucasus and many books about their battles. As a small note I just want to mention that all four Romanian mountain divisions were quickly disbanded after the war by the Soviets.In addition; the book is beautifully illustrated. The various schemes of maneuvers are wonderfully shown in 3-dimensional “bird’s eye viewsâ€. These illustrations; many times; are worth more than many pages of words.The book does have a few observations that need to be mentioned however; concerning Romanian Army participation in this campaign. One minor is that it does not contain any reference about 3rd Romanian army commander (among other Axis Armies commanders); General Petre Dumitrescu; whose contribution in conquering the Taman peninsula was vital. Having in mind that ROU forces – 6-7 divisions – were more than a quarter of the forces involved; that is; a substantial war effort; I think he deserves a place among other armies’ commanders.Other thing refers to the casualty figures mentioned at page 91:“The Romanian 3rd Army incurred about 45.000 casualties in this period-25 July 1942 to 30 January 1943-of which more than 12.000 were dead or missingâ€. In reality; the casualties were much lighter-no more than 10-15.000 personnel. (For example; the seizure of Nalchik by the ROU 2nd Mountain Division; plus German Stuka support; cost about 820 personnel; but capturing over 3000 Soviets).According to some Romanian books the casualties were: “Between 1 July 1942 and 31 October 1942; the Romanian forces casualties engaged on Caucasus AND Stalingrad axis were 9.252 dead; 28.249 wounded and 1.588 missingâ€. So; we have about 40.000 in total; in two areas of operations. The Romanian forces in Stalingrad region supported the vast majority of the casualties during the analyzed period-cca. 25-30.000. In Stalingrad area; during Uranus and subsequent Soviet operations; ROU forces lost over 158.000 personnel.Also; in the Kuban bridgehead; between 1 February 1943 to 2 October 1943; Romanian forces lost 1.598 dead; 7.256 wounded and 806 missing.Lastly; it’s worth mentioning that ROU 3rd Army was transferred at the beginning of September 1942 in Seraphimovich and Kletskaya areas in order to take over the defense sector between Italian 8th Army and German 6th Army at Stalingrad. So; no more ROU 3rd Army HQs in Caucasus after September 1942! The remaining ROU divisions were divided between different German Corps HQs.All of these observations; in aggregate; and considering the book’s short length; are really little more than minor however and do not deter from the book much.This is a highly recommended book on the subject that provides much illumination on this campaign.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Welcome addition to my military history libraryBy Stephen P. FordAs usual from Osprey Publishing this is welcome addition to my military history library.Army Group South's race for the oil of the Caucasus. Well researched account with orders of battle; charts; pictures and just enough text.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great Campaign book by Osprey covering a battle that gets over lookedBy Douglas L. BesteOsprey did a great job coving this portion of a forgotten battle during the war on the Ost front. Could not find really any thing bad about this Campaign book. Many photos and maps.
