1877 SERVETUS AND CALVIN. A Study of an Important Reformation History. Rare.

Robert Willis's 1877 book, Servetus and Calvin, occupies a unique scholarly space in the history of both Calvin and Severtus literature. Willis argued that Michael Servetus, despite being burned as a heretic at least in part via Calvin's influence in Geneva, was a crucial figure whose radical theological critique of the Trinity and traditional dogma paved the way for modern free inquiry, influencing later rationalism and a more "reasonable service" of God, essentially shifting focus from rigid church doctrine to a deeper, scripturally-based spiritual understanding, with his death inadvertently sparking anti-bigotry movements. Willis presented Servetus not just as a heretic, but as a pioneering thinker whose ideas challenged Reformation orthodoxy and foreshadowed later religious liberalism, making his life and death profoundly influential, even more so than his ideas during his lifetime, by highlighting the dangers of dogmatism and intolerance. 

Of course, there will be those who agree with the assessment, but disagree about its positive effect, but a rare and important work on the long-standing conversation surrounding Calvin's most significant controversy. 

Willis, R. M.D. Servetus and Calvin. A Study of an Important Epoch in the Early History of the Reformation. London. Henry S. King & Co. 1877. 541pp.

A good to good - copy of an exceptionally rare scholarly work on the relationship between Servetus and Calvin. Original cloth, rippled, split at hinges, but reasonably attractive. Ffep a bit awkwardly reinforced with cello tape. Retains the rare etching frontis and tissue guard. Textually quite solid and clean.