Cottret (humanities, Versailles-Saint-Quentin University) outlines the contradictions and development of Calvin's character. Anchoring the understanding of Calvin it produces in Calvin's own time and culture, the approach here is historical rather than theological. Calvin's life is explored both chronologically and thematically, with attention to the major controversies of his time and Calvin's own reaction to them. Appendixes detail the French university system, describe the Small Council, offer chronologies of Calvin's youth, the establishment of Calvinism in France and Royal repression, outline the Decrees of Sorbonne (1543), and list sermons. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR