John T McNeill's classic work presents a sympathetic and engaging account of early Reformers, including John Calvin, and then recounts the history of Calvin's heirs. Beginning with Zwingli, he traces the development of non-Lutheran Protestant Christianity down to Machen and the Fundamentalists. The emphasis and glory of the book may be found in his account of Zwingli and Calvin and their era. The heirs of Calvin are mentioned, but not explored in depth.

McNeill emphasizes a softer Calvin and the unity between Reformed churches that Calvin desired and that his followers in succeeding generations more or less effectively put into practice. McNeill could probably be faulted for not adequately distinguishing between genuine and fraudulent Calvinists. It seems that there are some included in the lot who specifically despised Calvin and his teaching, like the Wesleys and Jacob Arminius. C. G. Finney and D.L. Moody are thrown in for good measure.

But this is still an informative and well-written history. McNeill is a very good author, and clearly competent his field. I highly recommend his History and Character of Calvinism. ( )