A Short Life of Martin Luther (Reformation Resources 1517-2017)

Using this as a book group as we discuss the Reformation. This is a short but serious read. The maps are wonderful and the 95 thesis are listed.

I knew a bit about Martin Luther from my readings on the Tudor period of history so I was delighted when I saw this book and it enabled me to learn more. I really enjoyed the book and do feel as though I know more about Luther's life and the theological contributions he made to that time period - 4 stars from me and if you are interested in this period of history, its definitely worth picking up a copy.

I have read much by Luther himself, but I have struggled to read secondary sources about him. I have tried unsuccessfully to read Heiko Oberman's dense biography and even classic Roland Bainton's 'Here I Stand'. This was not the case with Thomas Kaufmann's biography of Luther. Readability and Lucid brevity is how I would describe it. Frequent citations from primary sources let Luther always speak for himself and his theology. I came away understanding both Luther's grandiosity and genius better, his celebrity, and the earthiness that reaches across the centuries. One interesting fact I learned was that it's likely didn't see a full Bible until he was aged 25 and in the monastery. This book has whetted my appetite to finish Oberman's biography!