Sebastian Castellio, linguist, humanist and religious reformer, is one of the most remarkable figures of the Reformation. By telling the tale of Castellio's life, this work illuminates the furious debate he unleashed and how it marked a crucial stage in the development of Protestant thought.

Although initially a follower of Calvin, the French humanist and religious reformer Sebastian Castellio was soon to become one of his most prominent critics, arguing in favour of a 'liberal' humanist approach to religious toleration, in opposition to Calvin's dogmatic orthodoxy. By telling the fascinating tale of Castellio's life, this work illuminates the furious debate that he unleashed and how it marked a crucial stage in the development of Protestant thought.

'This is a well-balanced work that effectively alternates detailed, biographical narrative with thematic analysis of Castellio. The result is an excellent book by an outstanding scholar on one of the most significant figures of early modern Europe.' History