The Catholic Reformation: A Very Short Introduction

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The Catholic Reformation: A Very Short Introduction traces the Catholic Reformation from its beginnings in the first half of the sixteenth century, through the years of unrest in Europe, to its global expansion in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, and its continued influence and legacy into the twentieth century.

As well as spiritual and religious matters, and how they entwined with the political, James E. Kelly covers the full gamut of experience of what is also known as the Counter-Reformation, particularly its deliberately sensory approach in terms of art, architecture, and music. Combining broad overviews and focused examples, Kelly offers a concise, provocative introduction to a global movement.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Author: James E. Kelly
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 06/26/2025
Pages: 160
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.30lbs
Size: 7.28h x 4.70w x 0.37d
ISBN: 9780192862310

About the Author
James E. Kelly, Sweeting Associate Professor in the History of Catholicism, Durham University

James E. Kelly is Sweeting Associate Professor in the History of Catholicism at Durham University, where he leads the History of Catholicism research strand within the university's Centre for Catholic Studies. He was Principal Investigator of the AHRC-funded project, "Monks in Motion," and a member of the AHRC-funded "Who Were the Nuns?" project. He has written widely on the history of Catholicism and his publications include English Convents in Catholic Europe, c.1600-1800 (2020). He is joint general editor of the five-volume The Oxford History of British and Irish Catholicism (2023), and is founding co-editor of Durham University IMEMS Press' "Catholicisms, c.1450-c.1800" book series.