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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.
898 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2006
133 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Joel R. Beeke
445 books347 followersDr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church, Heritage Reformed Congregation, since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.
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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.
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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