Mirror for Magistrates and the Politics of the English Reformation

Discover the profound insights of Scott Lucas in his compelling book, Mirror for Magistrates and the Politics of the English Reformation, published by the University of Massachusetts Press in 2009. This hardback edition spans 288 pages and delves into the historical verse tragedy collection, A Mirror for Magistrates, which stands as one of the most widely read works of secular poetry in its time.

Lucas challenges the prevailing interpretations of this significant text, revealing how modern critics have often misconstrued its purpose. Rather than mere reflections on abstract political and philosophical doctrines, the tragic verse narratives within the Mirror serve as a crucial commentary on the tumultuous political landscape of England during the Reformation. This book is essential for anyone interested in early modern English poetry, history, and the intricate interplay between literature and politics from 1485 to 1603.