Some people have inquired where they can get a copy of the Institutes of the Christian Religion. It is available through multiple sources. Before you purchase it, please note that several translations (and editions) exist. Feel free to use any translation (or edition) you would like.
EDITION
The Institutes have been released several times with several revisions: 1536, 1539, 1543, 1550, and 1559—corresponding with the original Latin publication. Over the years, Calvin expanded on the content with its final form in 1559.
TRANSLATION
There are four English translations of the 1559 (final) edition of the Institutes: by Thomas Norton (1561); John Allen (1813); Henry Beveridge (1845); and Ford Lewis Battles (1960). Only the last two (Beveridge and Battles) are still in print. Recently, an English translation of the 1541 edition was also published (from the French translation that Calvin produced) by Banner of Truth. This is in modern English and considered to be a Calvin’s ‘essentials version’ of the Institutes.
Comparing the major translations, J.I. Packer wrote, “No English translation fully matches Calvin's Latin; that of the Elizabethan, Thomas Norton, perhaps gets closest; Beveridge gives us Calvin's feistiness but not always his precision; Battles gives us the precision but not always the punchiness, and fleetness of foot; Allen is smooth and clear, but low-key.”
The version I use is translated by Ford Lewis Battles and edited by John T. McNeill. It corresponds with the 1559 edition (which is also the final edition) of the Institutes. It has the advantage of being the most referenced standard edition. It comes in two volumes. In contrast, the one-volume Beveridge translation is much cheaper.
In the end, it does not matter which translation (or edition) you choose to read. The reading schedule lists the Book/Chapter/Section clearly so that you can follow along in any version you own.
WHERE TO OBTAIN A COPY?
Here are a few options, depending upon your budget and willingness to look around:
1. Digital. The Battles and Beveridge translations are available for free online.
3. Print. Probably the most popular way to read the Institutes is with a paper book. Many options are available.
• The only Christian bookstore left in Calgary is Better Books and Bibles (www.betterbooksandbibles.com). It is located at 636 16 Ave. NW (near SAIT). They often have used copies of the Institutes for sale and they also carry new copies. I would advise phoning them ahead to confirm availability at 403-233-2409. I suggest trying this store first.
Alternatively, if you would like to try purchasing a copy online, consider these sources:
EDITION
The Institutes have been released several times with several revisions: 1536, 1539, 1543, 1550, and 1559—corresponding with the original Latin publication. Over the years, Calvin expanded on the content with its final form in 1559.
TRANSLATION
There are four English translations of the 1559 (final) edition of the Institutes: by Thomas Norton (1561); John Allen (1813); Henry Beveridge (1845); and Ford Lewis Battles (1960). Only the last two (Beveridge and Battles) are still in print. Recently, an English translation of the 1541 edition was also published (from the French translation that Calvin produced) by Banner of Truth. This is in modern English and considered to be a Calvin’s ‘essentials version’ of the Institutes.
Comparing the major translations, J.I. Packer wrote, “No English translation fully matches Calvin's Latin; that of the Elizabethan, Thomas Norton, perhaps gets closest; Beveridge gives us Calvin's feistiness but not always his precision; Battles gives us the precision but not always the punchiness, and fleetness of foot; Allen is smooth and clear, but low-key.”
The version I use is translated by Ford Lewis Battles and edited by John T. McNeill. It corresponds with the 1559 edition (which is also the final edition) of the Institutes. It has the advantage of being the most referenced standard edition. It comes in two volumes. In contrast, the one-volume Beveridge translation is much cheaper.
In the end, it does not matter which translation (or edition) you choose to read. The reading schedule lists the Book/Chapter/Section clearly so that you can follow along in any version you own.
WHERE TO OBTAIN A COPY?
Here are a few options, depending upon your budget and willingness to look around:
1. Digital. The Battles and Beveridge translations are available for free online.
2. Audiobook. As Kenzie has pointed out, it is available as an audiobook.
3. Print. Probably the most popular way to read the Institutes is with a paper book. Many options are available.
Alternatively, if you would like to try purchasing a copy online, consider these sources:
I hope this is helpful to you!