Document Type
Paper
Abstract
A Commentary Upon the Prophecie of Isaiah, written by John Calvin, was first published in French in 1551. John Calvin (b. 7.10.1509 in France; d. 5.27.1564 in Geneva) was a prominent protestant reformer in Europe. Throughout his life, he published apologies and commentaries on many biblical books and religious texts, and became a notorious figurehead of the time. As a significantly controversial figure, Calvin and his work faced censorship and ridicule by Catholics outraged at the growing Christian Reformation of the 16th Century. A little over seven years after its initial publication, a second edition of A Commentary Upon the Prophecie of Isaiah was published, and in 1609 Clement Cotton translated the text out of French into English, and another edition was published. In contrast to the abundant information available about John Calvin and his work, little information is available regarding the life and work of Clement Cotton, other than his involvement in translating numerous works written by Calvin. Felix Kyngston was also involved with this later edition, and he was the identified printer. More information is available about Kyngston, particularly that he was well known at the time and lived and worked on Paternoster Row, the heart of the bookselling trade in London. William Cotton, the bookseller, also lived and worked on Paternoster Row “at the at the signe of the golden Lion” (transcription, l. 12). There is not much readily available information regarding these figures, excluding Calvin.
Publication Date
12-13-2023
Recommended Citation
Weaver, Grace, "Critical Edition: A Commentary Upon the Prophecie of Isaiah" (2023). University Honors Papers. 4.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/honors_papers/4