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Meet the Puritans: With a Guide to Modern Reprints
This encyclopedic resource provides biographical sketches of all the major Puritans as well as bibliographic summaries of their writings and work. Meet the Puritans is an important addition to the library of the layman, pastor, student and scholar.
Authors Joel R. Beeke (Ph.D. Westminster Theological Seminary) is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editor of The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, and author of numerous books.
Randall J. Pederson (M.T.S. Calvin Theological Seminary) is a member of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the author of several publications relating to Puritanism.
Endorsement “Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson have produced a tremendous gift to and resource for all who want an entryway into the study of the Puritans. They not only provide accurate biographical and theological introduction to every Puritan whose works have been reprinted in the last fifty years, but also combine with their helpful summaries an insightful analysis. If this were not enough, they’ve added major appendices that include the so-called ‘Scottish Puritans’ (that is, the great Scottish theologians who were contemporaries of and like-minded brethren in doctrine and piety with the English Puritans) as well as the Dutch Further Reformation divines. Meet the Puritans, With a Guide to Modern Reprints is a must have. I know of nothing like it. If you are looking for a reliable window into the life, theology, piety and ministry of the Puritans—this is it.” — DR. LIGON DUNCAN, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi, and President, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
“ Meet the Puritans is a cornucopia of good things: a remarkable portrait gallery, a wonderful library of biographies, a reader’s guide to great Christian literature, a record of an international movement of the Spirit, a personal tutorial in Puritan history and theology—and much more. The student of Puritanism will often reach for it, and yet the bedtime reader will be enthralled by it. It will persuade you that giants for Christ did once exist. Here are their stories. They will make you want to grow tall spiritually, too.” — DR. SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina
“Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson have given us a priceless treasure in this introduction to the Puritans and Puritan literature. I have often wished for just such a resource. An encyclopedic wealth of biographical and bibliographical information has been distilled here in a simple, readable, understandable, and wonderfully useful compendium. For the novice lay person who wants a reliable introduction to the Puritans, this is the perfect handbook. And for the seasoned scholar seeking a catalogue of the best available Puritan literature, this is also an indispensable tool. My prayer is that it will help spark a new wave of interest in the Puritans, a new appreciation for their theology, and especially a revival of their passion for careful biblical exposition.” — DR. JOHN MACARTHUR
“Finally, the resource we’ve always needed! Meet the Puritans is one of those books that raises the question: Why has this not been done before now? We are in Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson’s debt for giving us the best introductory book on the Puritans ever made available. Meet the Puritans is nothing less than a who’s-who of the Puritan tradition.” — DR. R. ALBERT MOHLER, JR.
Authors Joel R. Beeke (Ph.D. Westminster Theological Seminary) is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editor of The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, and author of numerous books.
Randall J. Pederson (M.T.S. Calvin Theological Seminary) is a member of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the author of several publications relating to Puritanism.
Endorsement “Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson have produced a tremendous gift to and resource for all who want an entryway into the study of the Puritans. They not only provide accurate biographical and theological introduction to every Puritan whose works have been reprinted in the last fifty years, but also combine with their helpful summaries an insightful analysis. If this were not enough, they’ve added major appendices that include the so-called ‘Scottish Puritans’ (that is, the great Scottish theologians who were contemporaries of and like-minded brethren in doctrine and piety with the English Puritans) as well as the Dutch Further Reformation divines. Meet the Puritans, With a Guide to Modern Reprints is a must have. I know of nothing like it. If you are looking for a reliable window into the life, theology, piety and ministry of the Puritans—this is it.” — DR. LIGON DUNCAN, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi, and President, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
“ Meet the Puritans is a cornucopia of good things: a remarkable portrait gallery, a wonderful library of biographies, a reader’s guide to great Christian literature, a record of an international movement of the Spirit, a personal tutorial in Puritan history and theology—and much more. The student of Puritanism will often reach for it, and yet the bedtime reader will be enthralled by it. It will persuade you that giants for Christ did once exist. Here are their stories. They will make you want to grow tall spiritually, too.” — DR. SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina
“Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson have given us a priceless treasure in this introduction to the Puritans and Puritan literature. I have often wished for just such a resource. An encyclopedic wealth of biographical and bibliographical information has been distilled here in a simple, readable, understandable, and wonderfully useful compendium. For the novice lay person who wants a reliable introduction to the Puritans, this is the perfect handbook. And for the seasoned scholar seeking a catalogue of the best available Puritan literature, this is also an indispensable tool. My prayer is that it will help spark a new wave of interest in the Puritans, a new appreciation for their theology, and especially a revival of their passion for careful biblical exposition.” — DR. JOHN MACARTHUR
“Finally, the resource we’ve always needed! Meet the Puritans is one of those books that raises the question: Why has this not been done before now? We are in Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson’s debt for giving us the best introductory book on the Puritans ever made available. Meet the Puritans is nothing less than a who’s-who of the Puritan tradition.” — DR. R. ALBERT MOHLER, JR.
842 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2006
About the author
Joel R. Beeke
487 books379 followersJoel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor since 1978 and currently ministers at the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the editor of the Puritan Reformed Journal and The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth magazine, the board chairman of Reformation Heritage Books, the president of Inheritance Publishers, and the vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society.
Beeke has written and coauthored 120 books, edited 120 books, and contributed 2,500 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. He frequently lectures at seminaries and speaks at Reformed conferences around the world. The Lord has blessed him and his wife Mary with three children and eleven grandchildren.
Beeke has written and coauthored 120 books, edited 120 books, and contributed 2,500 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. He frequently lectures at seminaries and speaks at Reformed conferences around the world. The Lord has blessed him and his wife Mary with three children and eleven grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 24, 2017
Most people never realized encyclopedias could be fun to read. In many ways, if the reader knows how to approach it, this book has the danger and thrill associated with the English Civil War.
I think it is safe to say that Beeke leaves no Puritan behind--even the ones you've never heard of and whose writings will never be published. But some chapters are truly good, and there are some Puritans who get center stage: Thomas Goodwin, Richard Baxter, Jonathan Edwards, Solomon Stoddard, the Mather Clan, and more.
Each entry is usually between 4 to 8 pages long. The first 60% of each entry is a short biography with a one to two paragraph analysis of the teachings. Then--and this is the good part--a list of the major works, when they were published and sometimes which ones to start first.
*Thomas Goodwin was deep in with Cromwell, as was John Owen.
*Cotton Mather broke with his father's eschatological method to something approaching millennarianism (430). While Mather's suggestions on dealing with witches today might bother modern readers, those who've been on the mission field (or some urban areas in America) can probably attest to what he is saying. But more importantly, Mather denied the legitimacy of spectral evidence in court, pace the idiocy of Arthur Miller.
The sections on Scottish Puritans and the Dutch Nadere repeats most of Beeke's works found elsewhere, namely *Puritan Reformed Spirituality.*
I think it is safe to say that Beeke leaves no Puritan behind--even the ones you've never heard of and whose writings will never be published. But some chapters are truly good, and there are some Puritans who get center stage: Thomas Goodwin, Richard Baxter, Jonathan Edwards, Solomon Stoddard, the Mather Clan, and more.
Each entry is usually between 4 to 8 pages long. The first 60% of each entry is a short biography with a one to two paragraph analysis of the teachings. Then--and this is the good part--a list of the major works, when they were published and sometimes which ones to start first.
*Thomas Goodwin was deep in with Cromwell, as was John Owen.
*Cotton Mather broke with his father's eschatological method to something approaching millennarianism (430). While Mather's suggestions on dealing with witches today might bother modern readers, those who've been on the mission field (or some urban areas in America) can probably attest to what he is saying. But more importantly, Mather denied the legitimacy of spectral evidence in court, pace the idiocy of Arthur Miller.
The sections on Scottish Puritans and the Dutch Nadere repeats most of Beeke's works found elsewhere, namely *Puritan Reformed Spirituality.*
October 11, 2012
This is not really a read-through book, but rather an excellent introduction / reference work on English, Dutch, Scottish, and American 'Puritans'.
I recently began delving into Reformed / Reformation theology and history and became aware that these Puritans represented some of the best of that, or maybe any, theological genre in practical, effective application of deep yet solid Christian doctrine and theology.
This book was written by two men with in-depth knowledge of these unique believers and is a rich primer introducing the major players: their lives, thoughts, experiences, writings, practices, and beliefs.
After each biography, there is a description of each Puritan's major writings, sometimes with definite recommendations on the work. At the end are some recommendations of secondary sources and a nice summary essay by J.I. Packer.
This is a basic, well-done reference work that should be in every believer's library. I believe that it will yield guidance to many years of fruitful study.
Note also that Dr. Beeke has just released a new book (1200 pp - Oct 2012 release date), 'A Puritan Theology', expensive but probably well worth every cent (I've not read reviews or obtained a copy yet).
I recently began delving into Reformed / Reformation theology and history and became aware that these Puritans represented some of the best of that, or maybe any, theological genre in practical, effective application of deep yet solid Christian doctrine and theology.
This book was written by two men with in-depth knowledge of these unique believers and is a rich primer introducing the major players: their lives, thoughts, experiences, writings, practices, and beliefs.
After each biography, there is a description of each Puritan's major writings, sometimes with definite recommendations on the work. At the end are some recommendations of secondary sources and a nice summary essay by J.I. Packer.
This is a basic, well-done reference work that should be in every believer's library. I believe that it will yield guidance to many years of fruitful study.
Note also that Dr. Beeke has just released a new book (1200 pp - Oct 2012 release date), 'A Puritan Theology', expensive but probably well worth every cent (I've not read reviews or obtained a copy yet).
March 21, 2012
This is truly an awesome reference work that I use all of the time. All of the major Puritans are listed in one volume, along with a summary of their major works, and modern reprints. This should be a foundational reference work for those interested in Puritan thought and worship.
April 27, 2013
If you're looking for an introduction to all (and I mean pretty much all) of the Puritans, this collection of short biographical sketches is for you. Plus, it includes brief introductions to the major works of each Puritan figure with a suggested edition.
July 6, 2016
I'm not sure you'd find anyone to say they had "read" this. It's not that kind of book. It is, in fact, a fabulous resource!
January 24, 2022
In Meet the Puritans, you are given a tool that every pastor and serious Christian can benefit from. It is a collection of brief biographies and introductions to some of the greatest works of Christ’s Church. It helps church history to come alive. You see how interrelated the lives of the puritans were. But more than that, you see how doctrine drove thier application. It is a long way away from todays superficial church. It is a great companion to his priition (systematic) theology. It is a great devotional book. I cannot recommend it enough!
January 12, 2023
Massive book. But it contains very helpful (and brief) biographical sketches of the Puritans (those well known, and those obscure). I greatly enjoyed this book, reading a Puritan or two a day.
Additionally, I found the summaries of each Puritan’s writings insightful. I will likely visit this book before reading any specific work of a Puritan.
4.75/5
Additionally, I found the summaries of each Puritan’s writings insightful. I will likely visit this book before reading any specific work of a Puritan.
4.75/5
November 17, 2025
I even read all 5 of the appendices. Easy to read over a year, rich with encouragement and illustrations. This whole volume will bless you.
So many good biographies here. I only struggled to read the Dutch Reformed appendix.
So many good biographies here. I only struggled to read the Dutch Reformed appendix.
July 6, 2022
At 859 pages, this took a few years to get through! Now on to the actual writings of the Puritans!
January 7, 2016
A remarkable and comprehensive resource that is invaluable for Puritan studies.
August 30, 2023
An excellent volume. It is a bit on the long side and a bit repetitive but it's worth sticking at. I read one or two of the biographies per day and got through it over a period of several months. I could have got through it quicker but it got wearying towards the end. Nonetheless, it is a very helpful book. I'm glad that it includes the Scottish and Dutch Puritans. Very helpful in every way and it will inspire you to read more of the puritans themselves, which I can assure you is very much worth your time. No books by living authors that I've read come close to the puritans. The puritans feed my soul so richly as they're so alive with Christ! Highly recommended!
August 26, 2019
Ben Stiller's best movie yet!
The Puritans get a bum rap. If you don't know much about them, what little you know probably comes from B horror movies or propagandistic History Channel specials. Truth is, the more I learn about the Puritans, the more I admire them. They took the Bible and their faith seriously in a way rarely seen in our time. Whatever their sins, they had a better handle on God and human nature. We lost something significant when we lost the Puritans.
The Puritans get a bum rap. If you don't know much about them, what little you know probably comes from B horror movies or propagandistic History Channel specials. Truth is, the more I learn about the Puritans, the more I admire them. They took the Bible and their faith seriously in a way rarely seen in our time. Whatever their sins, they had a better handle on God and human nature. We lost something significant when we lost the Puritans.
April 6, 2021
This book is a comprehensive guide to the Puritans. Mainly it covers the English Puritan movement, but also covers Scottish Divines and the Divines of the Dutch Further Reformation.
The book is very thorough and encouraging, providing a biography of the great Puritans along with helpful reviews of their works that have been printed recently.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Puritans and the rich legacy of piety, devotion, and theology that they have left for us.
The book is very thorough and encouraging, providing a biography of the great Puritans along with helpful reviews of their works that have been printed recently.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Puritans and the rich legacy of piety, devotion, and theology that they have left for us.
June 28, 2020
When a book achieves its purpose so thoroughly, it deserves 5 stars. A wonderful companion for exploring Puritan literature, every library should have a copy of this, and it should be well used. I hope to read at least one work from each Puritan listed in this book, and think that that would be a good aim for anyone to go after.
December 7, 2023
A helpful overview of the Puritans. It is really a compilation of short biographical sketches, so is very useful as a resource for researching individual Puritans & learning from their lives and achievements.
October 4, 2019
Massive, but very helpful.
Read
November 16, 2019Meet the Puritans is not currently available at local libraries.
August 8, 2020
A must read for all Christians. They just don't make em' like they used to. O' God, give us again puritans!
January 10, 2021
Helpful starting point to get to know individual Puritans. The bibliographic information with each figure is helpful for getting reading suggestions.
April 18, 2022
This is an amazing way to meet the Puritans. A good overview of their biographies and a list of their writings
September 5, 2022
Read over half. Excellent reference for the best available books by the Puritans with simple but interesting biographies of their lives.
May 12, 2024
This encyclopedia is fun and easy to read. If you want an introduction to the puritans and their works, it doesn’t get any better than this.
July 25, 2019
I just finished it for the same week and i really enjoyed it. I loved how at first the story lines didn't seem to have anything to do with each other but slowly details were revealed to show how they are all connected.
December 27, 2025
Meet the Puritans is an outstanding resource and an insightful introduction to the faith of the Puritans. It serves both as a guide to their writings and a glimpse into their lives.
Originally written by Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson in 2007, this second edition is a comprehensive revision, edited in collaboration with Fraser Jones. This is a landmark work that will last for generations.
This updated edition includes 45 new biographies (bringing the total to 190), 278 new summaries of Puritan works, and annotated bibliographies of modern reprints. You’ll find endless inspiration and from the lives and writings.
Fuel to the Fire
An additional 200 titles have been added to the select bibliography of secondary sources, along with a new, expanded glossary and an updated, expanded list of Puritan publishers. It is a fully robust and comprehensive resource.
The book covers a wide range of English and American Puritans, seventeenth-century Scottish Presbyterians, and divines of the Dutch Further Reformation. You’ll find motivation to live a godly life.
Whether you are new to the Puritans or already familiar with them, this book will ignite your interest—and for seasoned readers, it adds rocket fuel to the fire.
I received a media copy of Meet the Puritans and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
Originally written by Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson in 2007, this second edition is a comprehensive revision, edited in collaboration with Fraser Jones. This is a landmark work that will last for generations.
This updated edition includes 45 new biographies (bringing the total to 190), 278 new summaries of Puritan works, and annotated bibliographies of modern reprints. You’ll find endless inspiration and from the lives and writings.
Fuel to the Fire
An additional 200 titles have been added to the select bibliography of secondary sources, along with a new, expanded glossary and an updated, expanded list of Puritan publishers. It is a fully robust and comprehensive resource.
The book covers a wide range of English and American Puritans, seventeenth-century Scottish Presbyterians, and divines of the Dutch Further Reformation. You’ll find motivation to live a godly life.
Whether you are new to the Puritans or already familiar with them, this book will ignite your interest—and for seasoned readers, it adds rocket fuel to the fire.
I received a media copy of Meet the Puritans and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
August 18, 2025
This book provides biographical sketches of over 150 Puritans from England, Scotland, Holland, and America, alongside summaries of their reprinted writings since 1956. The book covers their theology, piety, and historical context and is a splendid resource for navigating Puritan literature. For a new Christian unfamiliar with the Puritans, this book is highly relevant as an accessible introduction to their rich spiritual legacy. It offers clear, concise biographies and book summaries, helping beginners understand the Puritans’ deep commitment to biblical truth, personal holiness, and practical faith. The Puritans’ emphasis on applying Scripture to daily life provides new believers with practical guidance for growing in faith, prayer, and godliness. The book’s devotional tone is encouraging for new Christians to explore Puritan works for spiritual nourishment and a deeper connection to historical Christianity. This was my first real introduction to the Puritians and I have since read numerious books that are in reprint.
August 2, 2020
Wonderful overview on the Puritans! Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson did a great job in organizing this book and including many helpful resources in the form of noting books particular Puritan authors wrote and a summary of the content contained. This is a must have resource for those interested in getting to know the Puritans!
June 20, 2022
Excellent overview of many, many Puritans. It contains a short biography of each of them, along with the list of of their works and whether they are currently in print or not. it definitely makes for a great "to read" list of what's next.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews