The Swiss Reformation

The Swiss Reformation was a seminal event of the 16th century and the source of a distinctive Protestant culture whose influence spread across Europe from Transylvania to Scotland. This book provides the first comprehensive study of the subject in any language. The author argues that the movement must be understood in terms of the historical evolution of the Swiss Confederation, its unique and fluid structures, the legacy of the mercenary trade, the distinctive character of Swiss theology, the powerful influence of Renaissance humanism, and, the roles played by the dominant figures, Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger.

Gordon (history, U. of St. Andrews, UK) presents a history of the Swiss Reformation that, while recognizing the importance of such figures as Luther and Zwingli, seeks to reposition lesser-known figures such as Bullinger into a more central position. After exploring the historical development of the Swiss Confederation, he looks at the beginnings of the Reformation in Zurich, later tracing the expansion of the movement beyond Zurich. The chronological exploration of the Reformation ends with the Second Helvetic Confession in 1566, considered by Gordon to be the fullest expression of Swiss reformed theology. He then attempts to assess the impact of the Reformation both on daily Swiss life and internationally. Distributed by Palgrave. Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR

Bruce Gordon is Lecturer in Modern History at the University of St Andrews and Deputy Director of the St Andrews Reformation Studies Institute.