Europe in Renaissance and Reformation 1453-1660

Step into a dynamic era with Oxford-educated historian Mary Hollings as she unveils the intricacies of the Renaissance and Reformation. Encounter iconic figures such as Cesare Borgia, the enigmatic Savonarola, and Frances cherished monarch, Henry IV. Explore the reign of Swedens remarkable Queen Christina and the military prowess of great generals like Albrecht von Wallenstein and Gustavus Adolphus. This period, marked by the fierce pursuit of imperial unity and the one true church, ignited two centuries of relentless warfare across Europe—from the lush landscapes of Italy to the rugged alpine passes, and through France, the Netherlands, the German states, and beyond. As the dust settles, witness the decline of Spain, the fragmentation of Italy and the Holy Roman Empire, and the rise of France, skillfully guided by the statesmanship of Richelieu. (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)