Must reading for all who use and love the catechism.  This is not a commentary on the catechism per se, but notes from one of Usinus' students (David Pareus) on Ursinus' classroom lectures on the catechism.  This volume is especially important because Ursinus repeatedly stresses the distinction between law and gospel (Ursinus was hardly a Lutheran) and implies that the law is based upon a prior covenant of works (along the lines of his Larger Catechism).  Ursinus defends the Reformed view of the sacraments against both the Lutheran and Roman positions.  Heidelbergers everywhere should read and use this volume.

A very helpful overview of history and theology of the Heidelberg Catechism.  Highly recommended

Good treatment of the historical background to the development of the Reformed Churches from someone outside that tradition

A very good guide to the Belgic Confession.  Highly recommended.

Christians speak freely and often about the Canons of Dort and the international synod of 1618-1619 which produced them without really knowing much about either. Matthew Barnett's The Grace of Godliness will do much to remedy this lamentable situation. In a very accessible manner, referring to a number of important background documents, Barrett provides the historical context of the Synod of Dort. He also makes a solid case that the Canons themselves are filled with careful biblical reflection, wise pastoral application and exhortations to a warm and genuine Christian piety. Dort's stalwart defense of divine monergism in the salvation of sinners does not produce a fear of God, lack of assurance of one's salvation or indifference to good works--as critics often charge. When read and understood, the Canons of Dort present the so-called doctrines of grace as the foundation for a believer's confidence in God's mercy and, as the consequence, the basis for a life of gratitude.

Includes essays on the development, theology and sources of our catechism.  Also contains the texts of Ursinus' larger and smaller catechisms.  This is an important study.

Contains an important essay on Olevianus' role in the preparation of the Heidelberg Catechism and a translation of Olevianus' exposition on the articles of faith.

Nicolaas Gootjes' The Belgic Confession:  Its History and Sources covers a number of important topics, including whether or not Guido (Guy) de Bres is the primary author of the confession -- Gootjes argues that he was.  There are important chapters dealing with the sources of the Belgic Confession (primarily the French Confession) as well as a previously overlooked source, Beza's Catechism.

There is a helpful discussion of the confession's authority in the Dutch Reformed Church.  As the Remonstrants gathered steam in Holland, they began to challenge the authority of the confession, especially because it was used by the orthodox to challenge Arminian doctrine.  Gootjes convincingly shows that the confession was accepted by the churches (and was therefore binding) shortly after it was written, well before the Synod of Dort. The appendix is also helpful and contains the texts of critical correspondence establishing the confession's authorship and authority.

This is an important book, and Dr. Gootjes (a professor at the Canadian Reformed Seminary in Hamilton, Ontario) has given us non-Dutch speakers an important window into the origins of our confession which is a wonderful summary of the biblical faith.

A great introduction to the devotional use of the Catechism

The culmination of a life-time of study.  Great historical background.  Very useful for those who must preach on the catechism.

Useful notes for the busy preacher.  Nothing profound, but I still find this volume helpful.

A rather sympathetic but interesting biography of the man who killed thousands of Reformed Christians in France, Belgium and Holland.

A fascinating look at the tragic Anabaptist Kingdom of Muenster and its key figures.  This incident explains Reformed and Roman Catholic fears about radical Pentecostals with millennial expectations.  Important backdrop to the Belgic Confession (1561).