A short life of Martin Luther / Thomas Kaufmann ; translated by Peter D. S. Krey and James D. Bratt.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Accessible yet authoritative biography of the colorful character who instigated the Protestant Reformation

Martin Luther, the Augustinian friar who set the Protestant Reformation in motion with his famous Ninety-Five Theses, was a man of extremes on many fronts. He was both hated and honored, both reviled as a heretic and lauded as a kind of second Christ. He was both a quiet, solitary reader and interpreter of the Bible and the first media-star of history, using the printing press to reach many of his contemporaries and become the most-read theologian of the sixteenth century.

Thomas Kaufmann's concise biography highlights the two conflicting "natures" of Martin Luther, depicting Luther's earthiness as well as his soaring theological contributions, his flaws as well as his greatness. Exploring the close correlation between Luther's Reformation theology and his historical context, A Short Life of Martin Luther serves as an ideal introduction to the life and thought of the most important figure in the Protestant Reformation.

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Publishers Weekly Review

Timed to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's 95 theses, which ushered in the Protestant Reformation, Kaufmann's short, incisive biography of Luther focuses on the theological import of his subject's life. Kaufmann conveys the core of Luther's theology, rooted in the scholar-monk's conviction of the primacy of scripture over Roman Catholic theological tradition and his unwavering belief that salvation came through grace of God alone, not through works. His sketch of Luther's life is brief, but Kaufmann does not shy away from controversial topics such as Luther's anti-Semitism and his harsh reaction to the German Peasants' War, which alienated him from many of the common people who were once his staunch supporters. Kaufmann, having taken on a daunting task, expertly cuts to the heart of Luther's thought, illustrating how his religious and intellectual consistency after 1517 drove his life decisions. The book, written in a tone of high seriousness, is impressively clear, providing insights into the mind of a complicated individual. For those who want more, Kaufmann offers a reprint of the 95 theses as well as reading lists on both Luther's life and the Reformation. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.