From ancient Greece until the early 20th century, the study of history consisted in reading primary sources: documents written first-hand by persons involved in historical events. This reliance on primary sources was abandoned at the dawn of the 20th century by educational 'reformers' who pushed learning by textbook instead - with the result that most students now have no contact with the great documents of the past. In The Rending of Christendom, Phillip Campbell takes us back to the classical primary source method. The persons and events of the Reformation era are brought into vivid relief with twenty-three primary source documents. Featuring biographies, theological treatises, papal bulls and polemics from the towering figures of the 16th and 17th centuries, the Rending of Christendom sourcebook immerses the student in the controversies of the period to learn its history first hand from those who were there. Contains readings and study questions, intended for ages 14-18. Answer key sold separately.