This prize-winning account of the pre-Reformation church recreates lay people’ s experience of religion in fifteenth-century England. Eamon Duffy shows that late medieval Catholicism was neither decadent nor decayed, but was a strong and vigorous tradition, and that the Reformation represented a violent rupture from a popular and theologically respectable religious system. For this edition, Duffy has written a new Preface reflecting on recent developments in our understanding of the period.
From reviews of the first edition:
“ A magnificent scholarly achievement and] a compelling read.” — Patricia Morrison, "Financial Times
"“ Deeply imaginative, movingly written, and splendidly illustrated. . . . Duffy’ s analysis . . . carries conviction.” — Maurice Keen, "New York Review of Books
"“ This book will afford enjoyment and enlightenment to layman and specialist alike.” — Peter Heath, "Times Literary Supplement
"“ An] astonishing and magnificent piece of work.” — Edward T. Oakes, "Commonweal"
