John Knox and the Reformation

"John Knox and the Reformation" by Andrew Lang is a historical exploration of John Knox, a central figure during the Scottish Reformation, that seeks to re-evaluate how we traditionally understand his story. The book looks at the intricate parts of Knox's personality, questions the way he depicted himself in historical writings, and measures his influence during Scotland's religious changes. The book starts by stating Lang's goal to carefully look at the established stories about Knox's place in history. It brings attention to the contrasting feelings about Knox, pointing out his perceived harshness and the different opinions about his impact, ranging from deep respect to disapproval. Lang stresses the importance of analyzing Knox's historical records with a critical eye, suggesting that he showed a mix of genuineness, passion, and strategic political actions. Furthermore, the book gives a summary of Knox's early life, implying that he rose from simple beginnings to become a strong supporter of Protestant change, which he supported through his firm faith and strong resistance to Catholic traditions.