S. Donald Fortson, III

This is the only book I am aware of that is dedicated to chronicling Presbyterianism in both Reformation Europe and later in America. It's well-researched and clearly written. Donald Fortson (PhD, WTS), Professor at Reformed Theological Seminary seems well qualified to write on the subject.

At the end of each chapter Fortson helpfully includes a section called "the Presbyterian connection" in which he talks about the legacies (or seeds) of Presbyterianism in the era being discussed. The book starts with the early church fathers and is so recently published that it even briefly covers the Rivers & Lakes Presbytery and the new Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians denomination.

Further, the book is pleasant to read. It's sufficiently technical without becoming unnecessarily awkward or jargon-filled. He writes with warmth, but generally as an chronicler who is impartial among the many strands of Presbyterianism. I recommend this for all Presbyterian seminarians and theology students as well as church history enthusiasts.… (more)