An engaging and comprehensive new edition of this established biography provides students with an understanding of the European Reformation through the life of its key mover, Martin Luther. Working chronologically through Luther’s life, Michael A. Mullet explains and analyses Luther’s background, the development of his Reformation theology in the 95 Theses, the Diet of Worms and the creation of Lutheranism. This fully revised and updated new edition includes a chapter on the legacy and memory of Luther through the centuries since his death, looking to his influence on modern Germany and the wider world. A comprehensive chronology at the start of the book traces the important dates in Luther’s personal and political life.
This is a vivid, scholarly and empathetic biography of Martin Luther, which will be essential reading for all students of the European Reformation, early modern history and religious history.
CONTENTS
PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CHRONOLOGY
1 Introduction
2 Martin Luther’s background, upbringing and education, 1483-1513
3 From the Psalms to the 95 Theses: the development of Luther’s Reformation theology, 1513-1517
4 From the 95 Theses to the Leipzig disputation, 1517-1519
5. From Leipzig to Worms, 1519-1521
6 The Diet of Worms and after, 1521-1523
7 The creation of institutional Lutheranism, 1525-1528
8 Luther and Lutheranism: the quest for definition
9 Luther’s later years
10 Martin Luther in the mirror of history
GUIDE TO FURTHER READING
INDEX
Biography
Michael A. Mullett is an Emeritus Professor of History at Lancaster University, United Kingdom, where he taught for 40 years until retirement in 2008. His previous works include Historical Dictionary of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation (Scarecrow, 2010) and John Calvin (Routledge, 2011).
Praise of this edition: 'Martin Luther is a readable work that provides a nuanced view of the reformer. It is evenhanded, offering praise when praise is due, for instance, of Luther's work in congregational music, but also criticism of the reformer when merited.'
- Rebecca C. Peterson, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, USA in The Sixteenth Century JournalPraise of the first edition: ‘Attractively written, wise and judicious, with touches of engaging wit. It is now the best introduction to Luther in English’.
- Diarmaid MacCulloch, Professor of the History of the Church, University of Oxford
