Description
Book SynopsisThe turbulence of the Protestant Reformation marks a turning point in European history, but the Scandinavian contribution to this revolution is not well known outside the Northern world. Reforming the North focuses on twenty-five years (1520â45 AD) of this history, during which Scandinavians terminated the medieval Union of Kalmar, toppled the Catholic Church, ended the commercial dominance of the German Hanse, and laid the foundations for centralized states on the ruins of old institutions and organizations. This book traces the chaotic and often violent transfer of resources and authority from the decentralized structures of medieval societies to the early modern states and their territorial churches. Religious reform is regarded as an essential element in the process - in the context of social unrest, political conflict, and long-term changes in finance, trade, and warfare. Reforming the North offers a broad perspective on this turbulent period and on the implications of the Protest
Trade Review"...a well-narrated book." -Goran Malmstedt, American Historical Review
"The author strikes a masterful balance between attention to detail and maintaining a clear, stumulating narrative. This book enhances our understanding of this period by treating it from a Scandinavian rather than a national perspective." -Jason Lavery, Luthern Quarterly
"...Larson's book should be appreciated for its clarity by those looking for an introduction to the Northern Reformations, and for its vision by those familiar with their histories." -Erick Thomson, Canadian Journal of History
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. The North; Part I. Lord of the Northern World, 1512–23: 2. Preliminary; 3. Christian II's other kingdom; 4. A conquest; 5. Hubris; 6. Insurrection; 7. The king's fall; Part II. Successors, 1523–33: 8. The new men; 9. Brushfires; 10. Reform by indirection; 11. Reform by decree; 12. Return of the king; Part III. Civil War, 1533–6: 13. A republic of nobles; 14. Reactions; 15. The war of all against all; 16. The fall of Copenhagen; Part IV. The Settlement, 1536–45: 17. A new order; 18. Under the crown of Denmark eternally; 19. Dilemmas of a very early modern state; 20. Supremacy and its discontents; 21. Conclusion.
