Anticlericalism: From the reformation to the First World War

Until well into this century, the clergy have acted as agents of a dominant Christian culture closely intertwined with the state, but that supremacy never went unchallenged by the layman or woman. This text presents a detailed examination of anticlericalism in its many forms - from revolutionary protest to intellectual debate - focusing mainly on the established church but covering the Roman Catholic and dissenting traditions as well. A comparative angle noting trends in Europe is featured throughout.