The first decade of Elizabeth's reign proved to be the definitive period for the English Reformation. After thirty years of uncertainty, church policies were adopted which had profound effects on diplomatic relations abroad and political and social life at home. Professor Haugaard's aim is to re-assess and reconstruct the early years of Elizabeth's rule when men argued, schemed and fought to bend the national Church to conform to their own particular vision of an ideal Christianity. The focal point of his study is the Convocation of 1563 at which all the major issues of the period were discussed. The decisions taken at the Convocation propelled the Church of England along the route chosen by Elizabeth and her bishops, thwarting the ambitions of the nascent Puritans for a truly reformed Church.