Calvin, Geneva and the Reformation

This is a sympathetic study of Calvin as Geneva Church leader by a well-qualified scholar who has written at least two other books on Calvin's doctrines. While most books on Calvin focus on his theology, Wallace looks at Calvin the public person, especially his stormy relationship with Geneva and his work as pastor and teacher. There is also a brief section on Calvin's theology which approaches the subject from a pastoral point of view. Wallace is frankly Protestant, and he defends Calvin from his many detractors. This is not hagiography, however; Wallace is not afraid to discuss honestly some of the more unsavory episodes of Calvin's career, for example the Servetus affair. Wallace is a minister and biblical scholar, so he approaches the subject from this perspective. This is a good place to start in learning about John Calvin, the great Protestant reformer and theologian.