500 Years ago, Europe went through one of the most remarkable and turbulent periods in its history. The lines of political and theological power were rewritten in ways that were nuanced, subtle and philosophical, but also in ways that resulted in bloody massacre and destruction.

Harry Reid is a former editor of The Herald and bestselling author of books on both The Church of Scotland and Scottish football. He holds honorary doctorates from the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow for his services to journalism and is a life vice-president of the journalists' charity, the Newspaper Press Fund.