"John Calvin (1509-1564) was a central figure in the Protestant Reformation during the sixteenth century. This volume illuminates his continuing influence on Christianity by presenting a wonderful balance of biography and theology for beginning students as well as for those already familiar with Calvin's work." "In Calvin: A Brief Guide to His Life and Thought, Willem van't Spijker, one of the world s leading Calvin scholars, provides a well-rounded and concise guide to John Calvin's life and theology. Based on the finest contemporary scholarship available, van t Spijker outlines the development of Calvin's thought and the ways in which it was important not only in his time but in ours as well."--BOOK JACKET.