The Reformation was a seismic event in European history; one which left an indelible mark on the modern world. In this Very Short Introduction; Peter Marshall illuminates the causes and consequences of this pivotal movement in western Christianity. The Reformation began as an argument about what Christians needed to do to be saved; but rapidly engulfed society in a series of fundamental changes. This book provides a lively and up-to-date guide that explains doctrinal debates in a clear and non-technical way; but also explores the effects the Reformation had on politics; society; art; and minorities. Marshall argues that the Reformation was not a solely European phenomenon; but that varieties of faith exported from Europe transformed Christianity into a truly world religion. The complex legacy of the Reformation is also assessed. Its religious fervor produced remarkable stories of sanctity and heroism; and some extraordinary artistic achievements. But violence; holy war; and martyrdom were equally its products. A paradox of the Reformation--that it intensified intolerance while establishing pluralism--is one we still wrestle with today.
#1367339 in Books 2015-07-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.20 x 3.00 x 9.40l; .0 #File Name: 01987383151456 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Extensive Discussion of Germany's Preparations for and execution of Operation BarbarossaBy 10th LegionHard to summarize nearly 1400 pages of text; but basically; German political concerns; racial biases; Nazi ideological beliefs; and a sense of military superiority led the Third Reich to attack a country which objectively it had little chance of defeating.Exceptional strategic analysis of the German campaign in the USSR 1940-1941. This is a softcover edition of the original hard bound series published by the Oxford Press and is a bargain; relatively speaking; since the hard cover volumes were in the hundreds of dollars each. As packaged; you receive a two volume set with volume 1 running 531 pages and volume 2 at 833 pages including a bibliography and index for both volumes. First of all; this 2-volume set is not a purely military analysis of the German invasion of the USSR. If that is what you want; look elsewhere. This work is divided up into two parts (volumes) with supporting topics;Part 1 German Policy and the Soviet Union 1940-41 which has 7 topics each with a specific author.I. Hitler's Decision in Favour of War Against the Soviet UnionII. The Soviet Union up to the Eve of the German AttackIII. From Economic Alliance to a War of Colonial ExploitationIV. The Military Concept of the War Against the Soviet UnionV. German's Acquisition of Allies in South-East EuropeVI. The Involvement of Scandinavia in the Plans for BarbarossaVII. Operation Barbarossa as a War of Conquest and AnnihilationPart II The War against the Soviet Union until the Turn of 1941/1942I. The Conduct of OperationsII. The Conduct of the War through Soviet EyesIII. Strategy and Policy in North EuropeIV. The Decisions of the Tripartite Pack StatesV. Volunteers for the European Crusade against BolshevismVI. The Failure of the Economic BlitzkreigVII. Securing Living-SpaceOperation Barbarossa in Historical PerspectiveGiven the breadth of topics covered in this extensive work; I will limit my comments to just a few points.The authors do a good job of presenting the views of the principal leaders; Hitler; Goering; Halder; etc. the intellectual climate and predispositions of the services; Wehrmacht/Heer; Luftwaffe; and Kreigsmarine.Translation errors are minor and do not detract from the narrative.Each topic can be read separately; so there is no obligation to go from front to back. Pick what topic interests you most and start there.The military actions are discussed at army and army group level. Again; don't buy this for a detailed; tactical and operational level military history of Operation Barbarossa from the German point of view.Maps and graphs are few and far between (that's why I gave 4 of 5 stars rating). What is included is both interesting and informative; just scarce.Who should buy this work? I recommend this to historians and those interested in the German strategic planning and preparations for Operation Barbarossa who have done extensive background reading before tackling this work. The authors assume a considerable comprehension by the reader of the German military structure; senior political and military leaders and the events leading up to June 1941. Otherwise it is excellent reading. Just expect to take your time digesting each topic and don't expect to read about the exploits of Guderian or Hoth.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An excellent book on World War II from a German point ...By cowboyFast service. An excellent book on World War II from a German point of view.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Dan KoskoVery Well written. Lots of detail. Wish they had inclkuded the maps in the English version.
