The Oxford History of British and Irish Catholicism, Volume I: Endings and New Beginnings, 1530-1640

The Oxford History of British & Irish Catholicism, Volume 1: 1530-1640, explores the efforts to create Catholic communities after Henry VIII's break with Rome, as well as the start of initiatives that would set the course of British and Irish Catholicism. It examines the challenges of living in religiously mixed societies and the extent to which Catholics became a symbolic antitype for Protestants. The legal frameworks that sought to restrict, fine, or exclude Catholics from public life are also given close attention.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Oxford History of British & Irish Catholicism delves into a pivotal era, spanning from 1530 to 1640, marked by significant events that shaped the course of Catholicism in both Britain and Ireland. This comprehensive volume examines the aftermath of Henry VIII's break with Rome, the ensuing civil wars in Britain and Ireland, and the efforts to establish Catholic communities amidst the sweeping religious changes. It explores the early initiatives that laid the foundation for British and Irish Catholicism, including the missionary enterprise and the formation of exile religious institutions such as colleges and convents.

This work offers a comprehensive exploration of the lives of Catholics in both islands during this dynamic period. It delves into various aspects of their existence, including music, literature in the vernaculars, violence and martyrdom, and the unique experiences of women. The challenges of living in religiously mixed societies fueled new forms of creativity in religious life, making the Catholic experience more than mere continuity or endurance. Antipopery, or the extent to which Catholics became symbolic antagonists for Protestants, emerged as a philosophical concept that influenced political life in England, Scotland, and colonized Ireland.

Furthermore, the book pays close attention to the legal frameworks that sought to restrict, fine, or exclude Catholics from public life. These legal measures were not just abstract policies but the daily realities that shaped individuals' identities, alongside devotions, liturgy, and directives from the Catholic Reformation underway in continental Europe.

The Oxford History of British & Irish Catholicism is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex history of Catholicism in Britain and Ireland. It provides a detailed and nuanced account of a period that witnessed significant religious, political, and social transformations, leaving a lasting impact on the religious landscape of these nations.

Weight: 668g
Dimension: 165 x 245 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198843801