Forgotten Reformer: Myles Coverdale and the First Forty Years of the English Reformation

by G. F. Main

Myles Coverdale (1488-1569) is the little-known first translator of the complete Bible into English after the invention of the printing press. As a forerunner to the Puritans' non-conformity, Coverdale was forced to flee England. He lived in exile three separate times for his translation work and Reformed convictions. G. F. Main now presents the rarely told tale of this forgotten Reformer in a riveting new biography.

Genres: History, Biography, Church History

214 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2023

Reviews

[Michael Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good biography of an English Reformer who wanted to see the Bible read by the people in their own language. Since it's the only modern biography that I'm aware of on Coverdale, I'd recommend reading it if you are interested in the English Reformation.

[Peter Bringe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life of Myles Coverdale (1488–1569) is a remarkable story, since he was involved with and lived through so much of the English Reformation. Coverdale:

- Helped William Tyndale with his translation of the first five books of the Bible (1530).
- Produced the Coverdale Bible (1535) using what Tyndale had published and translating the rest.
- Produced the Great Bible (1539) by editing Matthew's Bible (in which John Rogers had improved on Coverdale's translation by adding Tyndale's unpublished translations of the historical books and revising Coverdale's translation of the rest).
- Assisted with the Geneva Bible (1560) translation, which made further improvements and added study notes and verse numbers.

Over the years, Coverdale fled to the continent of Europe three times and returned each time to England. He served as the bishop of Exeter during the time of King Edward VI. At one point he pastored a church in Germany, and at another he lived a time in Geneva with other exiles like John Knox. During his final return to England, he served as chaplain and tutor in the household of the Duchess of Suffolk (Katherine Willoughby), and then as a rector of a church in London, and was known as an early figure in the Puritan movement.

Coverdale's translation of the Psalms continued to be used in the Book of Common Prayer and is the version used in Handel's Messiah. He also produced a psalter-hymnal, "Ghostly Psalms and Spiritual Songs," with 41 songs with musical notation, including translations of some Psalms and German hymns.

The book generally does a good job telling the story and explaining the events. There are a few points where the author oversimplifies things or overstates a contrast, most notably on the debate between Lutheran and Reformed churches on the Lord's Supper, as if the Reformed view was a mere memorialist position (it is not accurate to say that "Calvin taught authoritatively that the Lord's Supper was entirely a commemorative spiritual service of remembrance", p. 82). Incidentally, it is hard to find out much about the author. In any case, he is to be commended for making known the incredible life of this English Reformer.

[Marianna Peipon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using primary sources, the author takes us through the incredible first forty years of the English Reformation -- from the perspective of a very important (and nearly forgotten) reformer!

[Samuel Payne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Coverdale is fascinating, but the author struggles to paint a compelling picture of his life and work. The writing quality is just ok, and the author has major gaps in his grasp on reformation history.

[Jeffrey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book that examined the effect Coverdale's life ministry had on the English Reformation. It was massive and encouraging.