Atlas of the European Reformations by Tim Dowley (review)

Anyone in North America who has taught the Reformation knows how students struggle with the geographic knowledge—primarily of Europe—involved in understanding the era. The 60 maps in this book will go a long way toward addressing this problem.

After a helpful and comprehensive timeline of 1300–1700, the volume is divided into four parts: Before the Reformation (13 maps), Reformation (21 maps), Catholic Reform and Counter- Reformation (13 maps), and Early Modern Europe (13 maps). In most cases, a map is located on the right hand side of the open book, while on the left hand side text summarizes and explains the developments illustrated. Most of the maps are easily understood, with clear type and distinct colors. A few other illustrations add interest.

This volume has many strengths, including its reach beyond religious issues, and its attempts to look beyond Europe. Though this review will not list all maps, some idea of the range of maps is useful. The maps in part 1 “Before the Reformation” illustrate religious developments (for example, the Devotio Moderna, the Great Schism, Wyclif and the Lollards, Jan Hus and the Hussites), cultural developments (the rise of universities and the rise of printing, the Italian renaissance and the northern renaissance), and political developments (including the explorations by both Spain and Portugal). Part 2 “Reformation” focuses on Protestant developments and covers personalities (Luther, Melanchthon, Zwingli, Bucer, Calvin), wars (The German Knights’ War and the Peasants’ War), movements (the Radical Reformation, the Swiss Reformation, the spread of Calvinism) and countries (Switzerland, France, Scandinavia, England, Scotland, and Poland). Part 3 “Catholic Reform and Counter Reformation” also covers important personalities (Ignatius Loyola and Francis Xavier) as well as developments such as confessionalization, the rise of the Jesuits, the Council of Trent, Catholic missions to America, French Religious Wars, and even the Spanish Armada. Part 4 “Early Modern Europe” is primarily concerned with the period after 1600 and provides maps relevant to the Thirty Years’ War, the English Civil War, the expansion to North America, and even mission to Japan.

As wide-ranging as the coverage is, a few questions remain. While the maps on the English Civil War and its aftermath are welcome, no maps illustrate the centers of Lutheran Orthodoxy in Germany or the growth and spread of Pietism in the latter half of the 17th century. Seventeenth-century French developments such as the rise of Jansenism and the exile of the Huguenots get scant attention.

Such shortcomings notwithstanding, this book is an invaluable resource. It should find wide use in both history and religious studies courses concerned with this era. It will serve both undergraduates and seminary students well. It also should find a place in congregational libraries.