• Introduction
   
• Luther
   
• Erasmus
   
• Melanchthon
   
• Zwingli
   
• Calvin
   
• Cranmer
   
• Access the
  Collections
• Further Reading
  and Resources

During the period known as the Protestant Reformation, scholars and theologians used the relatively new media of the printing press to spread their message to a wide audience. Throughout the 16th century religious reformers like Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and Jean Calvin issued thousands of pamphlets which criticized the beliefs and practices of the Roman church and advocated new doctrines.

L. Tom Perry Special Collections at Brigham Young University actively acquires the work of Reformation-era religious and political figures, and has assembled a collection of several thousand pamphlets and books. This site provides a sampling of important printed works by major religious thinkers of the Reformation held in Special Collections. Where available, lists of books and websites providing access to these texts in English are also provided. Many other authors and titles not included in this site can be found by searching the library catalog.

Students and faculty with demonstrated research interests may access these collections. Patrons can request reading privileges online or in person at the Special Collections reference desk. University faculty may also arrange for class presentations of these and any other materials in Special Collections on our website.