In the first study of Episcopal reforming activity in France during the period 1190-1789, Michael Hayden and Malcolm Greenshields uncover a wealth of new information on the origins of the Catholic Reformation. 600 Years of Reform argues that the origins of the reform do not date back to the sixteenth or seventeenth century, as most scholars believe, but as far back as the twelfth century.

Making use of the only records available - pastoral visits and synodal statutes - the authors introduce fresh evidence and interpretations. They shed new light on the medieval origins of the Catholic Reformation and the nature of the reform movement in the sixteenth century. Their work shows the importance of French bishops in starting the early-modern reform and their subsequent role in preparing the Catholic Church to weather the French Revolution. They also explore both the role of the French monarchy in the creation and collapse of the Catholic Reformation, and the changing attitude of peasants and the proto-proletariat toward official religion.