Jean Henri Merle d'Aubigné presents the comprehensive scope of religious reform during the sixteenth century through Calvin's life and the church in Geneva. He outlines the people, places, and ideas that shaped the Reformation in France, England, Spain, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. According to the author, the main theme of this book is the "renovation of the individual, of the Church, and of the human race." Following this thought, the whole book proves that Reformation resulted in political emancipation and brought about a new understanding of human freedom, which influenced the history of the three following centuries.