Gilbert Burnet's inexhaustible energy is nowhere better shown than by the amount of literary work he managed to accomplish in the midst of a varied and tumultuous career in Church and State. As a divine he published more than fifty sermons and several important theological and devotional works. An able and indefatigable controversialist and propagandist, he produced numerous tracts on the political and religious issues of his times. Among his miscellaneous writings are several translations, including one of Sir Thomas More's Utopia, a discourse on education, a travel book, and many letters and speeches. But despite his voluminous output, as a literary figure Burnet is best known for his work as a biographer and historian.

Burnet was born in Edinburgh on 18 September 1643. His mother was a strict and zealous Presbyterian, the sister of Archibald Johnston of Warriston, the fanatic Convenanter; his father, Robert Burnet, a successful lawyer, was...