Stephen Tomkins is the author of eight books on Christian history, including biographies of William Wilberforce and John Wesley. He is the editor of Reform magazine, and was previously deputy editor of Third Way. His broadcast work has included BBC1, BBC2, BBC4, Radio 2, Radio 4 and the World Service, and he has written for the Guardian, BBC and Church Times. He speaks on history and religion at national and local festivals. He performs stand up comedy and plays lead guitar in a covers band. He has a PhD in church history from the London School of Theology.

This is a rattling good read. Stephen Tomkins conveys the sweep of Reformation history through the hair-raising, sometimes hilarious and often tragic stories of the men and women who suffered or survived it. There's a startling sense of déjà vu as the reader is confronted with the dedication and vehemence of those who pursued their dream ofa perfect church.

Stephen Tomkins is the author of eight books on Christian history, including biographies of William Wilberforce and John Wesley. He is the editor of Reform magazine, and was previously deputy editor of Third Way. His broadcast work has included BBC1, BBC2, BBC4, Radio 2, Radio 4 and the World Service, and he has written for the Guardian, BBC and Church Times. He speaks on history and religion at national and local festivals. He performs stand up comedy and plays lead guitar in a covers band. He has a PhD in church history from the London School of Theology.

This is a rattling good read. Stephen Tomkins conveys the sweep of Reformation history through the hair-raising, sometimes hilarious and often tragic stories of the men and women who suffered or survived it. There's a startling sense of déjà vu as the reader is confronted with the dedication and vehemence of those who pursued their dream ofa perfect church.