JOHN Knox often gets a bad press in Scotland.

Certainly, his life and works have had mixed reviews down the centuries.

Some see him as an unyielding misogynist, others look at his legacy in a more favourable light. The First Book of Discipline, which was co-written with John Douglas, John Row, John Spottiswoode, John Willock and John Winram, can be said to have laid the foundations for an education system that has been the envy of the world, and established the primacy of the congregation - an early manifestation of democracy in action. To many, though, his name conjures up only of another of his writings, The First Blast Of The Trumpet Against The Monstrous Regiment Of Women.

Now, though, the publication of a cache of hitherto unknown letters - exchanged with Knox's best friend, Christopher Goodman - in a new book by Professor Jane Dawson of Edinburgh University casts a new light on these various shades of public opinion. The book reveals new nuances of his character, and outlines his importance to Reformations within England, Ireland, France, Switzerland and the Holy Roman Empire.

Such a major figure in Scottish national life surely repays further study. One may love him or loathe him; but one cannot ignore him.