Hilaire Belloc's landmark studyCharacters of the Reformation argues that Western Europe's break from the Catholic Church was driven by a land-grab and looting of Church property by European noblemen. Belloc has little admiration for the so-called leaders of the time and credits the Reformation to behind-the-scenes players.

This new digital edition ofCharacters of the Reformation from the Augustine Press includes original footnotes and digitized images of individuals and events from the period.