John Knox

by Jane E.A. Dawson

Jane Dawson has written the definitive life of John Knox, a leader of the Protestant Reformation in sixteenth-century Scotland. Based in large part on previously unavailable sources, including the recently discovered papers of Knox’s close friend and colleague Christopher Goodman, Dawson’s biography challenges the traditionally held stereotype of this founder of the Presbyterian denomination as a strident and misogynist religious reformer whose influence rarely extended beyond Scotland. She maintains instead that John Knox relied heavily on the support of his “godly sisters” and conferred as well as argued with Mary, Queen of Scots. He was a proud member of the European community of Reformed Churches and deeply involved in the religious Reformations within England, Ireland, France, Switzerland, and the Holy Roman Empire.

Casting a surprising new light on the public and private personas of a highly complex, difficult, and hugely compelling individual, Dawson’s fascinating study offers a vivid, fully rounded portrait of this renowned Scottish preacher and prophet who had a seismic impact on religion and society.

Genres: Biography, History, Church History, Theology, Religion, Scotland, Christianity

373 pages, Hardcover

First published April 23, 2015

About the author

Also writes as
Jane Dawson

Interested in the four countries within the British Isles, Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales, and in the Reformation throughout Europe.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

God's Watchman...

In Scotland, John Knox is thought of as a misogynistic, hellfire-and-damnation preaching, old killjoy, who is responsible for the fairly joyless version of Protestantism that has blighted our country for hundreds of years. Well, that's how I think of him anyway! Father of the Scottish Reformation, he is notorious for being the author of 'The First Blast of the Trumpet against the Monstrous Regiment of Women'. In this new biography, Jane Dawson sets out, not so much to overturn this impression of Knox, but to show that there was more to him than this. She tells us that new material has recently been uncovered amongst the papers of Christopher Goodman, a fellow Reformed preacher and long-term friend of Knox. This material, she suggests, throws a different light on his personality, while changing some of the facts known about his life.

Dawson writes very well, with no unnecessary academic jargon, making the book an enjoyable read. In structure, it's a straightforward biography following a linear timeline. Not having read any previous biographies of Knox, I'm not in a position to comment on whether the new material makes a significant difference to what was already known about him, but I certainly found that I learned a good deal, not just about Knox, but about the history of the Reformation in Scotland, England and Europe.

Starting with his childhood, Dawson takes us through Knox's early career as a priest within the Catholic Church and, as she does at all points, sets his story well within the context of the period. She discusses the importance of the Church in medieval society and gives the reader an overview of the political situation in Scotland and England at the time of the 'Rough Wooing', when Henry VIII was using military might to try to force a marriage between his son and the infant queen of Scotland. The legend, of course, is that the Scots and English were sworn enemies, but Dawson shows how those Scots who were moving towards Protestantism, including Knox, were in fact keen for an alliance with England, perhaps even a union. Therefore when France pitched in to keep Scotland Catholic, Knox found himself on the wrong side, and began an exile that would take him first to England and later to Geneva, becoming heavily involved in the development of Reformed religion in both locations.

Dawson suggests that these experiences influenced Knox deeply. He had been a disciple of George Wishart, martyred for his beliefs under Mary of Guise, Regent of Scotland, and on more than one occasion came close to achieving martyrdom himself. His hatred of Mary Tudor's bloody persecution of English Protestants led him to expect the same in Scotland when the young Mary Stuart came to her throne. (I have to admit that if I'd had to deal with the three Marys, I might have become a misogynist myself.) It was around this time that Knox blew his First Blast, basing his case on the authority of the Old Testament, to declare that women were not fit to be rulers and should be opposed, even deposed if necessary. He had been warned by Calvin not to do this but, as always, Knox's belief in his own unarguable rightness led him to disregard this advice.

Big mistake as it turned out, since Mary Tudor's death brought Protestant Elizabeth to the throne. Thinking that he could now return to England to continue developing the Reformed Church there, Knox discovered to his surprise that for some odd reason Elizabeth had taken offence over the First Blast. It would have been a bit hard at that point for Knox to explain that it was only Catholic women who weren't suited to rule, but anyway Dawson didn't convince me that Knox's First Blast was more political than misogynistic. Dawson suggests that the fact that he had many staunch female friends and supporters throughout his life, and loved both his wives, in some way refutes the accusation of misogyny. I tend to disagree – many people like cats but they don't necessarily consider them equals. Perhaps it's a semantic debate – perhaps he should be described as a sexist old killjoy instead.

Having blown his chances in England, Knox answered the call to return to Scotland, where he became embroiled in the Wars of the Congregation. For a brief period after this, he was able to set the Scottish Church up to run along the Reformed lines he had been planning for years, and he believed that by accepting this the Scottish people had made a covenant with God. But he soon became disillusioned when many prominent Protestants upheld Mary's right to rule and even to attend Catholic Mass. During the long years of ups and downs that followed, he never ceased to preach and prophesy, and never changed his core beliefs regardless of pressure and threats, which I suppose makes him admirable if not particularly likeable. In his later years, he suffered from repeated bouts of depression, believing that the covenant had been broken and that retribution would surely follow. Not against him, obviously – just his (and therefore God's) enemies. He saw himself as God's Watchman, constantly striving to prevent deviation from the forms of worship he believed the Bible specified, thumping his pulpit and prophesying doom on all who strayed.

My superficial overview doesn't do full justice to Dawson's book. She sheds a great deal of light on this complex and important figure, showing in depth how his interpretation of the Bible influenced every aspect of his life. She also widens the subject out to put the Scottish Reformation into context with the Protestant movement throughout Europe, showing how, despite some internal differences, there was an attempt to unify the theology and forms of worship of the fledgling religion. And she goes on to show how local circumstances led to variations in the practices of Reformed churches in different nations. Though I knew most of the historical 'facts' already, I certainly have a better understanding of the man, and of the Church he was so instrumental in creating. And while I can't say I like him much better than I did, I at least accept that he acted always in conformance with his beliefs. An excellent biography and history combined – highly recommended.

NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Yale University Press.

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[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, easily the best bio on Knox.

[Hunter Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book a higher rating. I thoroughly enjoyed Dawson's portrayal of Knox, a man brimming with emotion that overflowed from his pulpit (in both positive and negative ways). I especially appreciated Dawson's treatment of Knox's covenantal and political theology. These two points of Knox's thoughts left a lasting impression upon Scottish culture. This part of the book deserves 4 starts.

I gave the book a lower rating because I was bewildered by the Scottish political scene. Knox believed that the church was tied to Scottish political life. Therefore, Dawson could have helped her readers by more fully explaining characters such as Mary Stuart and various assassinated figures. I had to research more people than I would have liked.

[Steve Donoghue]

A thoroughly enjoyable review of a thoroughly strange and abrasive character! Here's my full review from a decade ago:
https://www.stevedonoghue.com/review-...

[Sean McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great biography of Knox. I recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about this Scottish reformer.

[allie :)]

good riddance

[Amy]

This is one of those holy grail-type historical biographies: well-researched, scholarly, and authoritative but still well-written, readable, and fast-paced. Essential reading for anyone interested in sixteenth century Europe.

[Harm-Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biography, provides a detailed and balanced view on Knox and his time.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astounding biography that does not venerate a church-history icon as some sort of super-spiritual hero. Dawson shows Knox's failures and foibles well, just as much as she does his accomplishments and achievements. It's a dense and helpful biography that gives a more clear picture of Knox and what we should celebrate about him, but also what we must distance ourselves from as well.

[Jake Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

LAST BOOK FOR MY HISTORY CLASS

This is the best biography I have ever read - it’s a master class. The amount of reading and searching through Knox’s personal writings and correspondence with hundreds of people to be able to write this is an amount of work and that I don’t want to know.

So much information in this book, and again so many people, but she synthesizes things in a way that make it feel familiar instead of overwhelming.

I think she also does a very fair character analysis. She discusses his flaws and shortcomings in length, but don’t paint them in a way that spoil his entire legacy.

[Rebecca Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable biography

Full-orbed representation of Knox that leaves the reader feeling like they have seen a side of him that stereotypes don’t reach. Could be wordy/repetitive and overly detailed at times, which is my only criticism.

[Jeff Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Knox, the Protestant Reformer of Scotland, is often portrayed as a dour masochistic preacher and an opponent of Mary, Queen of Scots. In this new biography of the Scottish Reformer Jane Dawson paints a different view of the man. She begins with a description of Knox having his first child baptized in Geneva, while he was exiled. It was a happy time of life for a man who was often depressed. But then, Knox had a rough life. George Wishart, who led Knox into the Protestant fold, was burned at the stake in St. Andrews, Scotland, only six weeks after Knox’s conversion. After the first attempt to bring reform failed in Scotland, with Mary Guise reclaiming Catholic control of Scotland, Knox found himself chained to an ore in the galley of a ship. This was a time of physical suffering from which Knox never fully recovered. After being freed, Knox went to England where he served as a pastor, but as the Catholics began to roll back some of the early reforms in England, he fled to Europe, where he met with John Calvin in Geneva and Henry Bullinger in Zurich.

Knox was always a bit ornery. He fought against the prayer book of the Anglican Church, a conflict that would continue to haunt him on the continent especially during his tenure with the English congregation in Frankfurt. While in Geneva, he helped produce the Geneva Bible (an English Bible that was considered so anti-royalty that it encouraged King James to call for another translation), the Psalter, and a book on church discipline. Knox and Calvin had different views of the church. Calvin felt the true church needed two “marks”: the preaching of the Word and the sacraments. Knox added a third mark: discipline. Knox concern for church discipline and the “cleansing of the church,” reflects his black and white views, but also made him less willing to compromise. Knox could get overly zealous. When he first arrived on the continent, both Calvin and Bullinger encouraged him to cool down. His zealous attitude certainly contributed to the willingness for the church to continue to separate and splinter, an attitude that pervades Protestantism.

Knox later returned to Scotland, having been invited by royalty who were devoted to the Protestant cause. He would serve as a chaplain for the Lords of the Congregation during their fight against the Catholic forces in Scotland. This was a troubling time. Scotland was involved in a civil war. There was always a chance that France would come to the aid of Catholics in Scotland. Knox, having spent time in England, had a vision of a united Protestant island (this would come about long after his death). It was also an interesting time, as religion was not the only dividing issue. There were even Protestants who support Mary, Queen of Scots. Knox had his own battles with the English reformation (especially on the Prayer Book and vestments). The author points out how Knox’s stubbornness kept the Scottish and English Reformations separate.

Another example of Knox stubbornness was his first book, a tract written against female leadership. John Calvin warned against publishing this tract, suggesting he might come to regret it. The tract was primarily directed at the Catholic Marys (there were three and Mary Guise appears to have been more problematic than the better known Mary Queen of Scots). His harsh language against women leadership was so strong Queen Elizabeth (a Protestant) also detested Knox for it. It is this tract that normally leads people to consider Knox to be masochistic, but as Dawson points out, Knox actually got along well with women. There were several women whom he regularly solicited advice. He also loved both of his wives and was in deep grief following his first wife’s death. (His courtship and marriage of his first wife is interesting, as she came with her mother and her father wrote her out of his will.)

Bouts of depression often haunted Knox. He was constantly in fear of losing the Reformation in Scotland, a fear that was based on the political reality more than a theological trust in God. In an era where most sermons were from the New Testament, Knox often preached from the Old Testament. He saw himself as a modern day Ezekiel. His favorite book (his anchor) was the Gospel of John and at his death he asked to have the 17th Chapter of John’s Gospel. Although Knox’s preaching was strong, criticism of sermons bothered him and he took such comments personally. Later in his life, his voice was so weak that he struggled to preach (often preaching in the chapel instead of the main sanctuary).

In addition to the tons of material available on Knox’s life, Dawson drew upon the papers of Christopher Goodman that have only recently been made available. Goodman and Knox worked together when they were both exiled on the Continent (working with English speaking congregations in Frankfurt and Geneva) and later in Scotland. Although Goodman left Scotland for Ireland (Knox even considered joining him there in an evangelical mission), the two remained close the rest of their lives through correspondence.


This book is a great introduction to the life of John Knox and the world in which he lived. Knox is a complicated man. There were much to admire in him, as well as stuff to detest. His view of a "united kingdom," that would eventually come about, was prophetic, but his strict view of the church brought a harshness into Presbyterianism that has been hard to shake.

[James Tidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give a book 5 stars, this book is an exception. This marvellous biography by Jane Dawson makes any other biography of Knox look ordinary. With access to the recently discovered Goodman papers, the life of Knox in the mid 16th century especially in the middle half of the century has been opened up.

Knox, the one man who Mary, Queen of Scots legitimately feared deserves his place on the Reformers Wall alongside Bucher, Calvin and Beza in Geneva, Switzerland. He is in my opinion for the 16th century what Baxter and Bunyan were to the 17th, what the Wesley brothers, Whitefield, Edwards and Doddridge were to the 18th, what Spurgeon and Ryle were to the 19th and what Lloyd-Jones was to the 20th centuries.

[David Mccracken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done. Provides interesting info on the era (early Scottish Reformation), while giving a very humane portrait of a complex guy.

Have always been fascinated by this era of the Reformation, as it is very hard to understand it from the perspective of modern Protestant liberalism. It seems quasi-ridiculous to highlight the mediated aspects of Catholic Christianity and yet still require a national church with the authority to excommunicate someone for heresy. Hearing Knox’s focus on the history narratives in Chronicles/Kings and the belief that the Reformation started a new Covenant with England/Scotland along the lines of Israel/Judah gives some necessary background. It still feels insane from a modern perspective, but it at least helped me understand how it all got started.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very hard book to read because it was very detail oriented. I appreciated the in-depth history that the author provided but I did not finish the book because I got bored. I think I read about three-quarters of the book and then I just couldn't make myself finish it. I am not a Calvinist and that might be why I lost interest. At least, I do have a better understanding of who John Knox was and the era that he lived in. What fascinated me most was his stance on Catholicism which I agreed with and found so interesting that a great man like Knox believed as so many of us believe today that Catholicism is downright evil.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough overview of the life of John Knox, employing the most up-to-date first hand sources. I would give this five stars, except that while she argues that she is "correcting" the incorrectly biased pictures of Knox, Dawson herself regularly betrays a 21st-century moralistic sneer towards certain elements of Knox's views and teaching. A number of unnecessary comments or conclusions are littered throughout the book. Overall, she reigns in her attitude, but the multiple hints of authorial disdain make this book a 4 star rather than a 5.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reformer. Pastor. Prophet. Warrior. John Knox was a firecracker. His life, like his beloved Scotland, was a mess. But he wielded the sword of truth bravely, in a time that forged the history of the British Isles and that of Calvinism around the world.

Although he could have picked up some tact from Calvin, his life & legacy embody the need of the hour - faithful men, not careful men. “The careful men come later and write their biographies.” (DW)

(Not a hagiography.)

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was not the easiest biography I've ever read. She assumes the audience already has a basic understanding of the issues so it was hard to follow at times. She also keeps the original text of Knox's writing, but the spelling is so different it's like reading another language. Those sections weren't always clear.

But I learned a lot about the political and religious changes in England and Scotland and that was my goal.

[Jim Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawson’s biography of the Scottish Reformer, John Knox, is perhaps the most comprehensive account of his life produced to date. She incorporated recently discovered primary sources, primarily correspondence with Christopher Goodman, to add context and texture to the portrait of Knox that has often been caricatured in the historiography. Her account is fair and measured, drawing out his humanity without discounting the severity of his personality and polarizing nature.

[Ken · Rating 1 out of 5]

Approaches John Knox from a scholarly position, but it's clear that the author does not like John Knox or what he stood for. She boils John Knox down to a man who was sad, moody, and depressed. Knox was a theological titan of his time, cherishing God's Word and seeking to bring biblical revival to the world.

Read the "The Thundering Scot" by MacGregor instead.

[Joshua Pegram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography of the well-known Reformer. Knox is (ironically) well-known yet often-overlooked among the Protestant Reformers. Dawson’s writing is engaging, and she is far in praise and critique. Highly recommend.

[Kalysta Fern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simultaneously a fast-paced slice of life through an incredible moment in European church history and a study of one of its most vivid and impactful personalities. As someone not used to reading history, I would have frequently preferred for the author linger.

[rabbitprincess · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Joyce Stahle · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Knox was a very interesting fellow. He was definitely passionate and held strongly to his beliefs.

[V.E.H. Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough and insightful account

[John Warren Antalika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Biography on John Knox!

[Joe Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading about the history of Scotland and although not a fan of Mr. Knox, this is one of the best books I read all year. Ms. Dawson did an excellent job of research.

[Keir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knox comes across much as the zealot he we reputed to be, uncompromising and riddled with apocalyptic anxiety spurred on by the prosecutions of protestants in England and France.

[Anson Cassel Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

The twentieth-century mystic evangelical, A. W. Tozer (1897-1963) once told an associate, “If you want to be happy, never ask for the gift of discernment.” Such advice would have seemed apt to John Knox (1514-1572), who had a fearsome talent for predictive prophecy. (At least, if there were major gaffes in his oracular pronouncements, Jane Dawson doesn’t mention them.) Not surprisingly then, Knox, who began his ministry as a good-humored young man, eventually developed “a terrible sense of personal betrayal,” cultivating the “image of the lone watchman on guard…the only one left standing against the enemy.” (319-320)

Jane Dawson has written a well-researched and well-written biography of this complex man, especially useful because she does not talk down to Knox’s world, one filled with various canonical superstitions and the possibility of gruesome execution for those who dared deny them. While I wouldn’t call this biography a page-turner, it is a lucid and well-rounded portrait of an important Reformer, one who, as Dawson notes, exercised more influence in England and continental Europe than he has usually been given credit for.

[Eilidh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frequent use of qualifiers such as 'probably', 'perhaps' and 'most likely' remind the reader of how much remains unknown about Knox. Nonetheless Dawson manages to give an impression of the man as a rounded character, demonstrating his positive features while offering context and explanations for his more negative behaviours, but not attempting to hide or diminish them.

I occasionally had difficulty following the chronology of the narrative, perhaps as much because I was reading in 10 to 30 minute intervals as because Dawson sometimes explains the long-term consequences of an event, before jumping back to where that line of thought had begun.