Description: '..the book is a valuable addition to any university reading list, an excellent 'way in' to the literature of the Reformation for a wide range of scholars and students.' Alan Ford, University of Durham, Reviews in Religion and Theology 'Peter Matheson has succeeded in giving us an imaginative look into the complex, intricate and varied world of Reformation pamphlet literature. He discusses with urbanity and wit topics ranging from the centrality of rhetoric, the appropriateness of the term 'propoganda', the legitimacy and limits of polemic, and some brave attempts at dialogue and mediation. This is all done in a lively, engaging manner which is appropriate, indeed, evocative of the subject.' Gordon L. Isaac, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, The Sixteenth Century Journal '...often insightful and always provocative...this sensitive and appreciative analysis of how polemic worked for sixteenth-century reformers will be appreciated by specialists concerned with communication theory and practice in early modern Europe.' Robert Kolb, Religious Studies Review '[an] attractively written book...eminently suitable for student use, while also providing stimulating reading for professional historians.' Immo Meenken, University of Trier, German Historical Institute London Bulletin 'Certain sections are excellent, such as the description of the intellectual background of Reformation rhetoric in the introduction, and the first chapter, entitled "The Emergence of Public Opinion". In a brilliant expose, Matheson presents the complex development of the intellectual history of the Reformation and describes the dimensions of its reception during the 1520s as a "web of public opinion"... This is an eminently readable book, written in a lively style.' Birgit Stolt, Lutheran Quarterly 'A great strength of the book is Matheson's ability to make wise and penetrating observation. He has a gift for the telling phrase. He offers not merely a study of rhetoric, but an example of how felicitous rhetoric can change the way in which we view things.' Mark U Edwards Jr, Ecclesiastical History

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