The Stripping of the Altars

Traditional Religion in England, 1400-1580

By: Eamon Duffy

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

This prize-winning account of the pre-Reformation church recreates lay people's experience of religion, showing that late-medieval Catholicism was neither decadent nor decayed, but a strong and vigorous tradition. For this edition, Duffy has written a new introduction reflecting on recent developments in our understanding of the period.

©1992 Eamon Duffy (P)2023 Tantor

Masterful, but sad.

The stories contained within this book will have you looking side-eyed at your Reformed friends and punching the air in privacy. You will lament what we’ve lost.

20+ hours went by in a flash

The detail and the loving description of pre-reformation English religious life is laid on full display by this skillful author.

Compelling, heartbreaking, enraging

Rich in fascinating detail, artfully written, this landmark book of Roman Catholic lay religious, devotional, artistic, architectural, and spiritual practices long before and during the abomination that is called the English/Henrician Reformation and all that was taken and destroyed because of it. Incredible work that is both foundational in the study of Christian history and a spiritual experience to read. Expertly narrated by the exemplary Nigel Patterson.