THE REFORMATION IN NORTHERN ENGLAND. By J. S. Fletcher. (Allen
and Unwin. 7s. 6d.)
Taouon we find the vigorous writing of this book refreshing. we cannot accept it as trustworthy history. " Tudorism," we are told, " meant unmitigated tyranny." To anyone who has studied the parliamentary history of the sixteenth century it will be obvious that this is, at best, an exaggeration. Again, the execution of five hundred North-Countrymen immediately after the Northern Rebellion is cited as an example of religious. persecution. Mr. Fletcher simply ignores the political element. Wolsey, we learn, was " probably the ablest man that our race has ever produced." On the other hand all must share his. indignation at the " great pillage." We are glad to note he avails himself of Mr. Leach's researches which prove, how much greater, in proportion, was theprovision for education in pre-Reformation times than in our own.
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