The 'Transformation of Europe' gently subverts a conventional vision of
Europe that divides the world between the late-medieval and early modern
periods, emphasizing the distortion involved in that construction.
Important changes towards 'modernity' are evident, the book argues, as
early as the fourteenth century; only in religious history does there
appear to be some justification for retaining the traditional notion
that 'modern age' began with Martin Luther, though even in that arena
the institutional break of the Protestants with Rome cannot conceal
fundamental continuity of expression and attitude.

The
'transformation' of the title emphasizes gradual, if significant change
in the period. Change to the political configuration and governing
institutions of Europe, to the economy and to society, to the region's
relations with the broader world, to the course of creative activity,
and to religious attitudes.

Professor Nicholas is an
effective and experienced guide to the important themes and unfolding
events in Europe's history from the onset of the Hundred Years war to
the great confessional divide of the sixteenth century.