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William J. Bouwsma (1923–2004)

Author of John Calvin A Sixteenth Century Portrait

13+ Works 603 Members 4 Reviews

About the Author

William J. Bouwsma was Sather Professor of History at the University of California, Berkeley.

Works by William J. Bouwsma

Associated Works

The New History: The 1980s and Beyond (1983) — Contributor — 12 copies

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Common Knowledge

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The really isn't a biography of Calvin so much as it is an analysis of his religious creed, with particular attention to 16th century "anxiety" and its personal effect on Calvin's religious beliefs. The book's emphasis is strongly theological, with minimal attention to Calvin's biography and even less attention to the historical setting within Reformation Europe and in Geneva itself. I would have liked to have seen more on the relationships between Calvin and Luther, Melancthon, and Zwingli among others; on Calvin's role in the martyrdom of Michael Servetus; and on the historical and cultural setting within Geneva. Additionally, this is definitely not a "beginner's book" and presupposes a greater familiarity with the Institutes, Commentaries, and other writings than the casual reader will be likely to have. On the plus side, though, it has encouraged me to download an inexpensive translation of the Institutes for Kindle browsing.… (more)
 
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CurrerBell | 2 other reviews | Jul 24, 2013 |
Not even Prof. Bouwsma could make the life of John Calvin interesting! Here is a figure of undoubted historical importance, yet I've never been able to find anything that makes him accessible as a human being. Why is that? I suppose he might say that it doesn't matter.
 
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cstebbins | 2 other reviews | Jun 30, 2011 |
 
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CPI | 2 other reviews | Jun 10, 2016 |

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Works
13
Also by
1
Members
603
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Rating
½ 3.3
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ISBNs
19
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