The Renaissance and Reformation Movements presents a panoramic history of the politico-ecclesiastical, intellectual, and cultural life of the two centuries preceding the 16th-century Reformation. Stressing the dynamic character of the 14th and 15th centuries, Spitz paints a careful portrayal of virtually every phase of life in this epoch, especially focusing on late medieval theology and particular Renaissance humanism. This first of two volumes synthesizes an otherwise overwhelming body of information on the Renaissance into an engaging and readable narrative that captures the ferment and spirit of this age.