This timely and much-needed thematically organized reference looks at every aspect of the Reformation world and considers new historical research which has led to the expansion of the subject both thematically and geographically. Acclaimed for its breadth and originality, this work includes material drawn from all over the world including the recent archive writings from central Europe. Topics included are: the Church before the Reformation; Luther and Germany; the Reformation outside Germany; Calvinism and the Second Reformation; the Reformation and society; arts and architecture; gender; and writing and printing.