Reading the Reformation

During the Reformation, theologians wrote, colleagues annotated, scribes recorded, and printers toiled, bringing Protestant doctrine and practice to life and transforming European society. Demonstrating the benefit of integrating histories of culture and scholarship with historical theology, this book invites readers to view the Reformation and its writings with fresh eyes.

Instead of focusing solely on the printing press as an agent of change, Reading the Reformation recalls the forgotten methods of writing, annotating, publishing, and preserving texts by key Protestant reformers. Zachary Purvis covers a broad range of topics, meticulously illuminating the physical and mental labors that fostered the Reformation. He draws new connections between theological traditions and intellectual innovations, textual learning and craft knowledge, manuscript and print.

Featuring case studies that demonstrate the Reformation's profound impact on reading and writing, this book is an indispensable resource for students, scholars, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the transformative power of the written word during one of the most pivotal eras of European history.