Reformation and Early Modern Europe: A Guide to Research Book

An informative and interesting, though not quite riveting, account of a second-rank Reformer whose efforts to unify and animate the church deserve wider respect. Greschat's books is well-researched, and, as the title indicates, it offers a valuable history not only of Bucer himself but the wider theological and political currents of his time. So even for those not zealously interested in Bucer per se, the books still provides a valuable account of the Reformation that considers more than just the big three of Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli. Additionally, Bucer's attempts to build bridges within the Reformation, and also beyond it to the Catholics (truly scandalous to many of his peers) are surprisingly modern in tone and insight. For that reason alone, I think, Bucer would be worth studying.

As other reviewers have noted, it's a little odd that Greschat quotes Bucer only sparingly. I'm sorry to say that after finishing the book, I still don't really know what Bucer sounds like, and I don't really know which work(s) of his would be the best place to start. Still, a valuable book and recommended for anyone interested in Reformation history.