The Secularization of Early Modern England

'Sommerville's thesis is ably argued and supported by an impressive array of illustrative source-material. It is persuasive to a degree.' Times Literary Supplement 'a book of unusual range and ambition ... the cumulative effect is certainly imposing and thought-provoking ... It is full of individual insights, and it is written with clarity and purpose.' Times Higher Education Supplement 'The Secularization of Early Modern England would be a good supplementary reader for an undergraduate or graduate course on the Tudor-Stuart period. Sommerville underscores the importance of ideology in understanding the historical process.' Amy Thompson McCandless, The College of Charleston, The Historian (US) 'His emphasis on the role of politics and ideas, rather than on socio-economic determinants, is refreshing. Sommerville is able to breathe new life into the somewhat discredited notion of a Tudor 'revolution' under Henry VIII - no mean feat.' Nicholas Tyacke, Early Modern History 'As a general introduction ... the book has its uses. It is, on the whole, well written, and the author is aware of the apparent contradictions in the period he covers.' Heythrop Journal `This is an ambitious and largely successful essay about the contraction of the religious sphere in England, consequent upon the Reformation. His emphasis on the role of politics and ideas, rather than on socio-economic determinants, is refreshing. Sommerville is able to breathe new life into the somewhat discredited notion of a Tudor 'revolution' under Henry VIII - no mean feat.' Nicholas Tyacke, University College, London, History