This is an excellent introduction to the Reformation in the Roman Catholic Church. Others have already said that it does presuppose some existing knowledge on the (Great) Reformation, the issues and the personalities involved. The best part is the last chapter, the Discussion.
The author shows how the Roman Catholic Church went through a process of change, not necessarily in response to the Protestant Reformation, but still slow in response to it, that it produced few leaders -especially in the written form- in the nature of Luther and Calvin, that this process knocked off a few rough edges (like the sale of indulgences), and added some sharper ones (like the Inquisition), and that it confirmed that it put greater authority in the hierarchy than in the Bible, choosing to include various forms of mysticism in the faith. ( )

Although short (200 pages including many illustrations), this is quite densely erudite and requires a fair amount of knowledge about theology to be fully understood; I don't think this can be fully recommended as an introduction to the subject for the general reader. Some interesting reflections, though and a fair and balanced historical account. ( )

2695 The Counter Reformation, by A. G. Dickens (read 10 Jan 1995) This is a 1969 book by a history professor at the University of London, and is one of the volumes of the series "History of European Civilization." All of the other volumes in that series look as if they would be worth reading--certainly this volume was. This was an excellent book. The bibliography lists fascinating books which I would like to read such as Baroque in Spain and Portugal by J. Lees-Milne; The Intellectual History of Europe, by F. Heer; and The Origins of Jansenism, by N. Abercrombie. ( )

Great introduction, with a balanced presentation. A number of surprises for me, even though I did have some familiarity with this period. Should be stressed that this is an introduction, and that if you are at all interested in this period you will want to seek out other books to supplement what's found here. There is a four page "Select reading list" at the back of the book that is very helpful. ( )