Dawn of Reform

A Pocket Guide to the 16th Century Reformation

What was the Reformation—and why does it still matter?

As the sixteenth century dawned, Europe stood at the edge of upheaval. Beneath gilded cathedrals and unquestioned authority, voices of dissent began to rise—calling for reform, conscience, and a faith unbound by power or wealth.

In Dawn of Reform, historian and storyteller Louisa M. Bauman offers a clear, engaging introduction to one of history’s most transformative eras. From early reformers like John Wycliffe and Jan Hus, to Martin Luther’s break with Rome, and the quiet courage of the Swiss Anabaptists, this pocket guide traces how ideas of faith, freedom, and obedience reshaped Europe—and laid foundations for the modern world.

Written for readers new to the subject, this concise volume blends grounded scholarship with vivid storytelling, revealing how ordinary men and women—priests, peasants, scholars, and seekers—risked everything to follow conscience over command.

Whether you are exploring church history for the first time or seeking a thoughtful refresher, Dawn of Reform is a companion for understanding an age when truth was costly—and conviction changed history.

Louisa M. Bauman is a historian and novelist whose work brings the Reformation to life with clarity, depth, and compassion. Her writing explores faith, conscience, and the human cost of belief across history.