Hilaire Belloc&#39;s landmark study <i>Characters of the Reformation</i> argues that Western Europe&#39;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 edition of <i>Characters of the Reformation</i> from the Augustine Press includes original footnotes and digitized images of individuals and events from the period.