The first biography of John Calvin since 1975 and the only life of the great reformer to analyse his impact on subsequent generations of theologians, politicians, economists and philosophers. This biography is theologically unbiased and is written as much for historians and general readers as for those interested in Calvin the Church reformer.List of Illustrations.
Preface.
1. Introduction.
2. Paris: The Formation of a Mind.
3. The Years of Wandering: Orleans and the Encounter with Humanism.
4. From Humanist to Reformer: The Conversion.
5. Geneva: The First Period.
6. Geneva: The Consolidation of Power.
7. Christianity according to Calvin: The Medium.
8. Christianity according to Calvin: The Message.
9. The Invasion of Ideas: Calvin and France.
10. The Genesis of a Movement.
11. Commitment to the World: Calvinism, Work and Capitalism.
12. Calvin and the Shaping of Western Culture.
Appendix I: A Glossary of Theological and Historical Terms.
Appendix II: Referring to Works by Calvin.
Abbreviations.
Notes.
Bibliography.
Index.
A most welcome study filling a real need for a scholarly biography that is historically sensitive and theologically well-informed.
Religious Studies Review Not since Wendel's Calvin has one volume given as much breadth and depth to the life and thought of Calvin as this one... A splendid resource for both novices and Calvin scholars. McGrath's work will endure as a balanced, sensitive, historical-theological treatment. Sixteenth Century Journal
A full range of Calvin students and scholars will be gratefulS%