This two-volume set provides a good overview of the major influences that have affected the church during its two thousand years of existence. Volume 1 covers the first fifteen hundred years, observing the path of groups that embraced political power, and also examining the lesser-known and usually persecuted believers who endeavored to literally follow Christ's teachings. Volume 2 covers the results of the Reformation and the multitude of movements that have arisen in the past five centuries. Each chapter concludes with some brief observations on the ripple effects each of those movements have had.