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Andrew Langs John Knox And The Reformation delivers a rigorous examination of the Scottish cleric whose uncompromising sermons and theological polemics spearheaded Protestantisms ascendancy in 16th-century Scotland. The narrative traces Knoxs evolution from a Catholic notary to a galvanizing reformer, emphasizing his exile in Geneva under Calvins mentorship and his pivotal role in drafting the Scots Confession of 1560.
Langs account juxtaposes Knoxs ideological clashes with Mary Queen of Scots against broader European Reformation currents, revealing how his First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women inflamed tensions with Tudor and Stuart monarchies. Central themes include the democratization of worship through vernacular liturgy, the destruction of Catholic iconography, and the establishment of Presbyterian kirk governance.
Rich in primary source analysis, the work illuminates Knoxs paradoxical legacy as both a liberator from papal authority and a divisive figure whose rigor alienated moderates. It serves as an essential resource for scholars of ecclesiastical history and Reformation-era political theory, offering nuanced insights into the interplay of faith and power in early modern Europe.
About the author
Andrew Lang (1844.1912), a polymath of the Victorian era, distinguished himself as a historian, folklorist, and literary critic, producing over 100 works that bridged scholarly rigor and popular appeal. Educated at St Andrews and Oxford, his early fascination with medieval history and comparative mythology informed seminal studies like Myth, Ritual and Religion and The Making of Religion.
Langs John Knox And The Reformation reflects his meticulous archival research and narrative flair, hallmarks of his biographical style. A contemporary of figures like Robert Louis Stevenson, Lang contributed prolifically to periodicals such as The Daily News and Longmans Magazine, democratizing complex historical and anthropological concepts for lay audiences. His works on Scottish history, including A History of Scotland from the Roman Occupation, cemented his reputation as a leading interpreter of national identity.
