Book Review on John Calvin

Yesterday we made mention about a coming title in mid December. Today is a bit more information given in a review of John Calvin, written by Simonetta Carr with illustrations by Emanuele Taglietti.

Review of John Calvin by Simonetta Carr

In this new release, Simonetta Carr presents a biography of John Calvin for young readers. A project like this would be no easy task to write, as the depth of impact left on the church and the Reformation by Calvin through his life – writings, preaching, teaching, etc. – is immeasurable. Yet Carr has managed to introduce Calvin in a way that portrays this all, in less than 64 pages!

John Calvin takes us through Calvin’s life: from his birth, to his school years; the beginning of his work for the Reformation and the troubles faced because of it, to his first writings; working as a pastor and organizing a church, to his marriage; his founding of a college, to his last days. Throughout it all, Carr leaves no doubt of his influence, faith, and importance, and yet does not overwhelm with too many detailed facts.

The reader is able to get a glimpse of what life was like for Calvin – the good and the bad – as we read of the dangers he faced and the difficult times he lived in, and also the strength of his conviction in the truth of the Scriptures and how hard he worked to share that with everyone he could in a most faithful and humble way. We are introduced to his infamous “Institutes of the Christian Religion” and to many other writings and commentaries he wrote over time, and also are introduced to many of the men he worked with throughout his life. In all, the information about his life is presented very thoroughly yet understandably, and with enough enthusiasm and fascinating facts to keep a young reader interested from start to finish.

Adding to the information of the book is a section entitled “Did You Know?”, which is several pages of miscellaneous facts about Calvin, the times he lived in, the Reformation, and much more. There is also a timeline of Calvin’s life which is very handy for a young reader to see.

Throughout the book there are also wonderful eye-catching illustrations done by Emanuele Taglietti. There are approximately 2-5 full-page illustrations per chapter that add an overall extra appeal to the book.

I highly recommend this book to any parent who would like to introduce their children to the life of John Calvin. It’s a most excellent read and is the perfect book for giving young readers their first look into the life of this inspirational Reformer.