The Swiss Reformation was a seminal event of the sixteenth century which
created a Protestant culture whose influence spread across Europe from
Transylvania to Scotland. Offers the first comprehensive study of the
Swiss Reformation and argues that the movement must be understood in
terms of the historical evolution of the Swiss Confederation, its unique
and fluid structures, the legacy of the mercenary trade, the distinctive
character of Swiss theology, the powerful influence of Renaissance
humanism, and, most decisively, the roles played by the dominant
figures, Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger. Marked by astounding
creative energy, incendiary preaching, burning political passions,
peasant revolts, and breath-taking scholarship, as well as by painful
divisions, civil war, executions and dashed hopes, the story of the
Swiss Reformation is told with extensive use of primary sources.
Explores the narrative of events before turning to consider themes such
as the radical
opposition, church and community, daily life in the Confederation,
cultural achievements and the Swiss place in the wider European
Reformation world.