The range and sweep of John Calvin's theology have rarely been more comprehensively presented than by Niesel in this important book, which has long been recognised by Calvin scholars and students of Reformation theology as an essential work.

Niesel moves systematically through the great Reformer's theology and provides a lucid exposition. He does this by breaking Calvin's theology into categories, both major - such as the Trinity and the Bible - and more mundane - like the limits of secular government. His analysis both illuminates Calvin's ideas and helps to set them into the framework of their time.