Book excerpt: Church History in three volumes is an account of the Christian Church written by prominent Lutheran theologian Johann Heinrich Kurtz. The work comprises ecclesiastical history from its beginnings to the end of 19th century. First part of the book covers the period from pre-Christian era and the founding of the Church by Christ and his Apostles to the 10th century. Second part spans from Christian missionary enterprises and the Crusades to Reformation and the Counter-Reformation. The final part covers the years from 17th to 19th century and what Christian church went through in that period.