This volume outlines the social, economic and political condition of Europe in the middle of the 15th century, and discusses how these had changed by 1610. The author also gives coverage to the beliefs and values of societies at the time, and provides analyses of literacy and the arts of the period. There are historiographical biography boxes, Points to Consider sections, Key Issues boxes, integrated activities, and selections of written and illustrative source material. This text is part of the Access to History series. The Context part of the series is the foundation level, which focuses on specific skills that need to be considerably extended and developed, promoting success at a more advanced level, for example developing study skills for independent learning and building on existing skills in handling source material. The books are aimed mainly at students who are making the transition from GCSE/Standard Grade to AS and A Level.