The last age of the church

This volume offers a thoughtful exploration of a little‑known medieval treatise once linked to the early reformer John Wycliffe. The editor begins by laying out the tangled history of how Wycliffe’s writings have been catalogued, mis‑attributed, and often neglected, urging listeners to consider why the original manuscripts matter for a fair assessment of his ideas. By tracing the scholarly trail from early bibliographies to modern attempts at reconstruction, the introduction frames the quest to separate genuine Wycliffian thought from later embellishment.

The core of the book presents the newly printed tract, dated to 1356, and the editor’s careful analysis of its language, style, and theological content. Listeners will hear arguments about the work’s authenticity, its surprising connection to the prophetic speculations of the Beguine movement, and what this early piece might reveal about the roots of reformist thinking. The discussion remains rooted in the first act of the story, inviting curiosity about the fragile legacy of a figure whose influence still sparks debate.