The following sources provide overviews of ideas, people, and events in European and British history. They are a quick way to find out the basic facts and current points of debate. When using an article in an encyclopedia or handbook, always check the bibliography for further reading at the end of the article. It will provide a selective list of the books, articles, and, frequently, Web resources considered to be the most up-to-date and reliable.
The Ashgate Research Companion to Women and Gender in Early Modern Europe by Jane Couchman; Katherine A. Mciver (Editor); Allyson M. Poska- This link opens in a new window
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ISBN: 1409418170
Publication Date: 2013-04-28
Over the past three decades scholars have transformed the study of women and gender in early modern Europe. This companion presents an authoritative review of the current research on women and gender in early modern Europe from a multi-disciplinary perspective. The authors examine women's lives, ideologies of gender, and the differences between ideology and reality through the recent research across many disciplines, including history, literary studies, art history, musicology, history of science and medicine, and religious studies. Also available as an
ebook.
Encyclopedia of Tudor England by J. A. Wagner; Susan Walters Schmid- This link opens in a new window
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ISBN: 1598842994
Publication Date: 2011-12-01
This encyclopedia spans the period from the accession of Henry VII in 1485 to the death of Elizabeth I in 1603.
A New Companion to English Renaissance Literature and Culture by Michael Hattaway (Editor)- This link opens in a new window
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ISBN: 140518762X
Publication Date: 2010-05-10
80 scholars come together to offer an original and far-reaching assessment of English Renaissance literature and culture. Note in particular "The Debate on Witchcraft," p. 513-522. Unrivalled in scope and its exploration of unfamiliar literary and cultural territories, the Companion offers new readings of both literary and non-literary texts Features essays discussing material culture, sectarian writing, the history of the body. Orients the beginning student, while providing advanced students with new directions for their research. Includes recommendations for further reading.
Oxford Handbook of Early Modern European History, 1350-1750 by Hamish Scott (Editor)- This link opens in a new window
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ISBN: 019ata9597251
Publication Date: 2015-09-23
This Handbook re-examines the concept of early modern history in a European and global context. Volume I examines 'Peoples and Place', assessing structural factors such as climate, printing and the revolution in information. Volume II covers Cultures and Power with such essays as "Authority and Popular Resistance" and "Europe's Enlightenment." See in particular the sections on religion, printing, and "Belief and Its Limits."
The Oxford Handbook of English Prose 1500-1640 by Andrew Hadfield- This link opens in a new window
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ISBN: 0199580685
Publication Date: 2013-08-24
Note in particular this chapter: "Astrology, Magic, and Witchcraft." In general the handbook is a comprehensive guide to early modern English prose. Contains essays by outstanding scholars. Analytical treatment of religion, politics, rhetoric, news, humor, and other relevant subjects.
For background on individual countries, these histories are some starting points:
Collins, James B. The State in Early Modern France. (2009)
Lynch, John. Spain, 1516-1598: From Nation State to World Empire. (1992)
Whaley, Joachim. Germany and the Holy Roman Empire. (2012).