The particular interest of Professor Spitz has been the close relationship and synergy between humanism and religious reform in the transformation of European culture in the 16th century. Within the general cultural and intellectual context of the Renaissance and Reformation movements, the present volume focuses on Luther and German humanism; a subsequent collection looks more particularly at the place of education and history in the thought of the time. The articles here discuss Luther's imposing knowledge of the classics, his attitudes towards learning, the religious and patriotic interests of the humanists, and the role of a younger generation of humanists in the Reformation. Also included is a far-reaching appraisal of the impact of humanism and the Reformation on Western history.
Biography
Lewis W. Spitz
'Historians of 16th-century Germany...owe a considerable debt to the work of Lewis W. Spitz...His work combines sensitivity towards the goals and tastes of the northern Renaissance, with an appreciation of the spiritual issues raised by Martin Luther’s religious message.' Reviews in History '(Together with The Reformation: Education and History) these volumes illustrate the importance of Spitz's lifetime work for our understanding of the relationship between humanism and the German Reformation. They are a notable testament to an eminent scholar, and, given the coherence of Spitz's work, they provide a fine resource for students in this field.' Calvin Theological Journal 'Scholars should...be grateful for the quality of work and insight that can...be found in the contributions that comprise Luther and German Humanism.' Reformation
