Publishing History

A Word on Translations of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion

The textual descent of Calvin’s masterwork — from the Latin editions of 1536–1559, through the French translations Calvin himself oversaw, to the major English translations that carry it into print today.

Institutes of the Christian Religion

LatinFirst Latin Edition1536
LatinSecond Latin Edition1539
- FrenchFirst French Edition1541
  - EnglishElsie Anne McKeeEnglish Translation2009(from the French edition)
    Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
  - EnglishRobert WhiteEnglish Translation2014(from the French edition)
    The Banner of Truth Trust
LatinThird Latin Edition1543
- FrenchSecond French Translation1545
LatinFourth Latin Edition1550
- FrenchThird French Translation1551
LatinFifth Latin Edition1559
- FrenchFourth French Translation1560
- EnglishThomas NortonEnglish Translation1561
  - Fourth Edition1581
- EnglishFord Lewis BattlesEnglish Translation1960
  The Westminster Pressed. John T. McNeillLibrary of Christian Classics2 vols.
- EnglishHenry BeveridgeEnglish Translation1845
  Calvin Translation Society3 vols.
  - Reprinted
    - Reprint
      Hendrickson Publishers1 vol.
    - Reprint
      James Clarke & Co.2 vols.
    - Reprint1962
      Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.intro. John Murray2 vols.
- EnglishJohn AllenEnglish Translation1813
  J. WalkerLondon
  - American editions
    Presbyterian Board of Publication
    - Reprint1936
      The Westminster Pressintro. B. B. Warfield2 vols.