Calvinism in Europe, 1540–1620

Calvinism was the most dynamic and disruptive religious force of the later sixteenth century. Its emergence on the international scene shattered the precarious equilibrium established in the first generation of the Reformation, and precipitated three generations of religious warfare. This collection of original essays, newly available in paperback, probes different aspects of this complex phenomenon at a local level. Contributors present the results of their detailed work on societies as diverse as France, Germany, Highland Scotland and Hungary. Among wider themes approached are the impact of Calvin's writings, Calvinism in higher education, the contrasting fates of reformed preachers in town and country, Calvinist discipline and apocalyptic thought, and the shadowy affinity of merchants and scholars who formed a critical part of the 'Calvinist International'.

Table of Contents:
List of figures; Notes on contributors; Preface; List of abbreviations 1. Perspectives on European Calvinism Alastair Duke; 2. The Geneva Consistory in the time of Calvin Robert M. Kingdon; 3. The Geneva Academy Gillian Lewis; 4. Calvin and the Swiss Reformed churches Bruce Gordon; 5. Calvin's works in translation Francis Higman; 6. Calvinists in Troyes, 1562–1572: the legacy of Vassy and the background to St Bartholomew Penny Roberts; 7. The Calvinist experiment in Béarn Mark Greengrass; 8. The changing face of Calvinism in Antwerp, 1555–1585 Guido Marnef; 9. Coming to terms with victory: the upbuilding of a Calvinist church in Holland, 1572–1590 Andrew Pettegree; 10. Confessionalism and absolutism: the case of Brandenburg Bodo Nischan; 11. Calvinism in Hungary: the theological and ecclesiastical transition to the Reformed faith David P. Daniel; 12. Calvinism and the Gaidhealtachd in Scotland Jane Dawson; 13. Merchants and ministers: the foundations of international Calvinism Ole Peter Grell; Index.

Review :
"...a coherent and comprehensive analysis and exposition of the Calvinist movement throughout Europe. As such, it is one of those all-too-rare collections of conference papers of consistently high quality suitable both for scholars in the field and for textbook use in upper-division undergraduate and graduate history and church history courses." Choice "It is a very rare collection of essays that one may recommend for general use. Such is the case with Calvinism in Europe, 1540-1620. Each of these essays is rich in insights, beautifully written, historiographically up to date, and accessible to the general reader...demonstrates that the field is conceptually rich, sophisticated in its methods, diverse in its sources, and intellectually vital." Journal of Modern History "These essays effectively support the claim that Calvinism was the most dynamic and disruptive religious community of the later sixteenth century and helped precipitate three generations of religious warfare. Solid, thorough, nicely specific, this volume is the sort of work garden-variety historians appreciate. It is well done." Church History "...this volume will be welcomed by advanced students of early modern religion, society and politics." History "These important contributions to the spread of Calvinism offer readers a close look at this meaningful development of social theology not only in France and Germany but also Highland Scotland and Hungary. Recommended." The Reader's Review "This is an admirable volume with every chapter rich not only with historical detail and learning but often with new perspectives. It is sure to be a standard text on international Calvinism." Brian G. Armstrong, Sixteenth Century Journal