The Reformation Period for idiots

[AndOne]

Can anyone recommend a good book that describes the various political systems and governments of Europe that existed during the Reformation. I have the basics down, but when reading about the local governments, and other various types of governing bodies (in Germany for example) I tend to get a little confused because I just don't know which Office is which or how they relate to the national governments or Rome for that matter.

I just finished reading "Here I Stand" by Roland Bainton - which is a biography of Luther's life. Very good book - but I got a little confused when the different factions of government were discussed. I didn't know the difference between an elector, a prince, bishop, etc.

Thanks...

 

[Cajun Huguenot]

These sites might help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Reich
http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/hrea.htm

Kenith