Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies) (eBook)

John Howie (1735 – 1793) was a Scottish author best known for his seminal work 'Biographia Scoticana' (Scots Worthies), first published in 1775. This biographical collection narrates the lives and testimonies of notable Scots involved in the promotion of reformation principles from the earliest periods to the year 1688, the end of the Stuart reign. As a biographer, Howie's style leaned towards a reverential stance for his subjects, affirming their Presbyterian beliefs and underscoring their enduring role in the Scottish religious history. The book not only served as a historical account but also as a spiritual manual for subsequent generations, inspiring Scottish nationalists and reformers. Howie's vivid depictions, infused with his evident admiration for the Worthies and their spiritual integrity, made his work a staple in Scottish literary heritage. His influence extended beyond the bounds of biography, contributing to the historiography of Scottish ecclesiastical history. 'Biographia Scoticana' was widely read and appreciated among religious communities, persisting as a significant cultural document and resource for historians and laypeople interested in the narrative of Scottish piety and resistance. Howie's own pastoral background and staunch Calvinist faith pervade the text, highlighting his commitment to preserving and propagating the memories of these cultural and religious icons.