Church History, Volume Two: From Pre-Reformation to the Present Day The Rise and Growth of the Church in Its Cultural, Intellectual, and Political Context by John Woodbridge, Frank A. James III

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review.
Looking for an academic but readable history of the Church from the 1300s on? Look no further. Besides clear text, this volume includes charts, artwork, and maps that explore and explain politics, doctrine and policy, and historical context in the unfolding story of the Church.

It's a thick tome with lots of references should you want to keep exploring. I'll keep this one as a reference text for both secular and religious reading; it puts history and religion in context. The particular view of Woodridge and James will provide a background for other reading - whether historical novels, academic papers, or classroom lectures.

Thanks for letting me read and review - I enjoyed it and highly recommend it for scholars and others interested in the development of European politics, religion, and culture.