The bi-centenary of Switzerland's greatest ‘mediating’ theologian, who taught at the new University of Zurich from 1834 to his death, provided the theological faculty with an occasion to revisit its history. The lecture series has led to a book which throws light on nineteenth-century Reformed theology in one of its most evocative social contexts. An outline of Schweizer's life and career by his great-grandson is followed by chapters on nineteenth-century Zurich (C. Moser) and on Church and Theology there (E. Campi). R. Gebhard clarifies the concept of ‘mediating’ theology and Schweizer's contribution to ecumenical thinking. The range and influence of this practical theologian (who was for thirty years also chief pastor at the cathedral) emerges from essays on his work in this field (C. Moser, R. Kunz). There are here listed 115 published sermons. Schweizer's contributions to the history of doctrine are discussed in terms of his interpretation of the Reformed tradition (P. Bühler) and his controversy with Evrard (L. Baschera). The relationship of his philosophical theology to that of his teacher and inspiration Schleiermacher is analysed by I. Dalferth, his ethics by J. Fischer, and his New Testament interpretation by E. Straub. His political activity is described by T. Schlag, his high profile in church politics by C. Moser, other church communications work by U. Meier, and his relation to Zurich literary circles by R. Schindler. All the contributors have fulfilled their assignments efficiently and produced a worthy monument. It is hard to think that many of them would have chosen to write on Schweizer had not duty beckoned. Parts of the history have enduring interest – especially the revolution sparked by the appointment of D. F. Strauss as professor, and his immediate pensioning off, but the admirable career and worthy theology of Schweizer seem too bland to inspire his latter-day successors, and too much of his intellectual context has disappeared to allow him more than historical importance. It was therefore a good idea to include three pieces in which the man himself can still speak – his 1881–7 letter-exchange with the poet and story-teller Conrad Ferdinand Meyer, suitably annotated, a sermon from 1841 on the ‘rescue of the fatherland from the storms of the present’, and a forty-three-page treatise from 1877 on the future of religion. Moser introduces these and adds a bibliography of the honorand's writings.