Widely acclaimed in its French edition, this sterling biography of John Calvin sheds new light on the great Reformer's personality by concentrating on the milieu in which he did his life's work.

In the largest part of the book, Bernard Cottret develops a chronological examination of Calvin's life, from his birth in Noyon to his ministry and administration in Geneva. In the final chapters Cottret explores thematic aspects of Calvin's persona— Calvin the polemicist, the preacher, and the writer—and looks with greater depth at Calvin's foremost work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion.

Balanced, cogent, and written with literary beauty, this biography will take its place among the best—and most enjoyable—portraits of Calvin's life, work, and lasting influence.