Abstract
Eustace Percy’s biography has, for good reason, remained a helpful entry point into understanding the life of the great Scottish Reformer John Knox (1513–1572). Percy’s treatment of Knox is no longer the most authoritative, thanks to recent critical new editions on Knox’s life, but it remains influential to understanding the legacy of Knox in Scotland and throughout the Presbyterian tradition. Percy’s writing was written as a defence towards those who criticised Knox’s pedantic nature on matters like the Black Rubric. Within the context that this biography was written, Percy’s biography does much to rehabilitate the personal conviction of Knox and his desire to see the people of Scotland embrace the Protestantism that had so captivated him. As it was Percy’s goal to rehabilitate Knox’s reputation, Percy’s generous analysis of Knox may be problematic to some. That said, Percy’s work can boast of a very thorough reading of Knox’s letters and writings in Scotland, England, and the Continent. This leads the reader to a balanced encounter with Knox at all stages of his life. Percy writes with an engaging style, incorporating biography with Knox’s own reflections. One would, however, be advised to look elsewhere for a discussion on Knox’s theology. Percy’s presentation of Knox is of one who strove for the establishment of a new Protestant order wherever he found himself, but ultimately this focused upon his native Scotland. Percy is generous in informing the reader about the larger Reformation movements throughout Europe, and thus provides a helpful introduction to the European Protestant Divines with whom Knox fostered his own brand of Protestantism.
With the emergence of new critical Knox biographies, this work is no longer the authoritative biography of Knox. Yet, despite the obvious biases of the author, Percy’s biography is certainly recommended for students of Knox, both lay and academic, in conjunction with other readings of Knox. Moreover, this work will also be of some benefit to those interested in the Reformation in Scotland and the legacy of Knox in Scottish life.