Available for the first time in trade paperback, this authoritative biography of the great religious leader was hailed by Time magazine as "the mos...
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Jul 24, 2009
Wayne
rated it: 
As a young Catholic monk, I and several other students were sent off to Adelaide University.I chose English and History.
And the first unit of History was the Reformation.
When I came to read about Martin Luther, (I can recall the book, the library, the sunlight AND the dawning that I totally agreed with him), my own Reformation had already begun but now I found I had allies I never expected.
And later when I heard my new mate labelled as "a Wolf in Sheep's clothing" by More...
And the first unit of History was the Reformation.
When I came to read about Martin Luther, (I can recall the book, the library, the sunlight AND the dawning that I totally agreed with him), my own Reformation had already begun but now I found I had allies I never expected.
And later when I heard my new mate labelled as "a Wolf in Sheep's clothing" by More...
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Jun 21, 2010
Jerry
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Bainton masterfully weaves together gigantic life of Luther.
"If a German is asked whether a passage of Luther's Bible is not remarkable, he may answer that this is precisely the way in which any German would speak. But the reason is simply that every German has been reared on Luther's version. The influence of the man on is people was deepest in the home. In fact the home was the only sphere of life which the Reformation profoundly affected. Economics went the way of capitalism More...
"If a German is asked whether a passage of Luther's Bible is not remarkable, he may answer that this is precisely the way in which any German would speak. But the reason is simply that every German has been reared on Luther's version. The influence of the man on is people was deepest in the home. In fact the home was the only sphere of life which the Reformation profoundly affected. Economics went the way of capitalism More...
Feb 28, 2011
Dan
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After reading The Unquenchable Flame, I had to re-read this biography of Luther. This is regarded as the classic biography on the life of Martin Luther and it certainly holds up to this standard. I appreciate Bainton's effort to be honest about Luther's strengths and weaknesses. The weaknesses only help us see better the greatness of the God Luther served instead of glorifying the man. On the other hand stands Luthers prodigious life work which among other things includes a translation of th
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Apr 01, 2010
Andrew
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This biography focuses mainly on the development of Luther's theology, which is what I wanted to read about in the first place. It was cool to see how God used his personality to effect change. At first, Luther was just looking for an argument--he hated the rampant selling of indulgences, and Rome had little to say. If Rome had said it was okay, Luther might have stayed quiet. As time progressed and his understanding increased, Luther became more and more emphatic for truth. I laughed and c
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Jul 25, 2011
Mike
rated it:
"Hier stehe ich, und kann nicht anders." With these words Martin Luther, a German priest, set in motion the greatest change that Europe had seen since the final sack of Rome by the Vandals a thousand years before. Luther's '95 Theses', which, in the style of the day, he nailed to the door of the nearest castle church, demanded that the Papacy behave in a manner befitting of its position. What followed was decades of war as northern Europe broke away from Catholicism, while Mediterranea
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Sep 28, 2010
Lawrence
rated it:
This is a nice beginning biography of one of the world's most remarkable men. It is an older book that hails from the early 1950's. It is a really good overview of Luther's life and his encounters with the outside world, especially up till about 1525. It seems aimed at a believing Christian readership. That is, Mr. Bainton, the author, seems to be a believer who appreciates very much Luther's lifetime spiritual struggle and his scriptural resolution of it in the doctrine of justification by
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Nov 16, 2010
Michelle
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This is my third reading of this book. Roland Bainton was a Lutheran historian, and this is probably the definitive biography of Luther in English. For obvious reasons this book will hold more appeal for Protestants than Catholics; nevertheless, Bainton does not whitewash Luther's faults, particularly towards the end of his life. It is a very good history of the Reformation; each time I read it, I learn or remember something new about that tumultuous period of time. Bainton also explains ext
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Apr 19, 2010
Mike
rated it:
Wow. This is a worthy read about the one of the most influential and controversial leaders in church history. I found Bainton fair in his treatement. By no means is this a critical biography, but Luther's weaknesses are brought out with his strengths emphasized.
I wrestle with giving this 5 stars.
Bainton's text is fluid and reads like a novel. Although full of documentation (Bainton is a serious scholar), the notes are all at the end by page number. The book is a joy More...
I wrestle with giving this 5 stars.
Bainton's text is fluid and reads like a novel. Although full of documentation (Bainton is a serious scholar), the notes are all at the end by page number. The book is a joy More...
Nov 05, 2008
Melissa
rated it:
Though sometimes long in the tooth, this was quite an enjoyable read---if you're interested in the Luther or the Reformation that is.
It contains many quotes from Luther and his contemporaries which help to give the book a sense of relevance. It is packed with useful information, but of course that it is important to remember, that Bainton, like all authors/historians had an agenda.
While he claims to want to show the man behind the myth, he cannot help but perpetuate the myth in his More...
It contains many quotes from Luther and his contemporaries which help to give the book a sense of relevance. It is packed with useful information, but of course that it is important to remember, that Bainton, like all authors/historians had an agenda.
While he claims to want to show the man behind the myth, he cannot help but perpetuate the myth in his More...
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Jul 30, 2011
Anthony
rated it: 
I must say this was one of the WORST books I've ever read to date. I seriously could not get past the first chapter. The only reason I read this book was because of a European History class I was taking but if it was my choice, I would never have chose to read this book. If you're into reading about boring catholic monks who want to revolt against the government, then this book is for you.
Jul 27, 2011
Daniel
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This was a good book. I really enjoyed the insights into the life of Luther. At times I was shaking my head thinking, "WHAT!?!" Other times I was moved to tears over the struggles he faced. This was a good book. I feel like I know Luther now. Even though I really do not know him at all. If you are interested in reading on Luther check this one out.
Aug 16, 2011
Christian
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Liked it. It really preserved the atmosphere of the time and I felt like I was getting to know Luther by the end. The most moving part was the description of the laity finally receiving the Eucharist and being blessed by the minister in their native tongue. They must have felt like the apostle John: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us..."
Jul 11, 2011
Kenneth
rated it:
had to read with a dictionary on hand and learn a lot of catholic terms and just general new terms. It was slow and somewhat confusing for me at parts, this book is not a really easy read, but very interesting and great at understanding Luther and his thought. A lot of interesting relations with others explained.
Jan 01, 2011
Petra X
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Its funny to think that the Protestant religion - today, at least, a moderate and forward-looking religion - is based on the writings of this man, one of the evilest human beings that ever lived. He was also the acknowledged inspiration for the Nazi party which should tell you plenty of his sentiments on race and the value of life. Not only did he advocate violence against Jews but was behind the Peasants' War where thousands died, and all because he felt that men should not ape their betters
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Dec 16, 2009
Klasko
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This is supposed to be the definitive biography of Martin Luther. I read this book before I joined the Lutheran Church in order to see what the man was about. I came away with a better understanding of the man behind the reformation in Germany, and the reformation in General. It filled a gap that was seriously lacking in my education. It is a dry read, but very comprehensive. It is a book that I think any Lutheran should read at least once and anyone else interested in reformation history.
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Jul 10, 2008
Ethan
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This book was a very helpful overview of the live and times of Martin Luther. With the many long and meaty quotes from Luther and his contemporaries, it also serves as a good primer on Luther's work and perspectives. I thought Bainton did a good job of not refusing to discuss the controversial things written by Luther, and was willing to critique his perspectives where it was helpful to do so. Bainton does dismiss some of the criticisms against Luther, and provides good context around why Lut
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Apr 03, 2011
I've been reading this one for a long time and am almost done! It is a long academic biography on Martin Luther. Well written. Not specifically written from a Christian perspective but not antagonistic to Christianity either (I believe the author has a Christian background).
May 23, 2009
John
rated it:
interesting biography on Martin Luther.
"Heir stehe ich, ich kann nicht ander, Gott hilf mir".
First words I translated using a small German dictionary I had purchased in a small shop not far from the cathedral when I arrived in Worms, Germany in 1975.
"Heir stehe ich, ich kann nicht ander, Gott hilf mir".
First words I translated using a small German dictionary I had purchased in a small shop not far from the cathedral when I arrived in Worms, Germany in 1975.
Dec 31, 2009
Laura
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An excellent biography on one of the most influential men of all time. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of the political arena in which he fought (even though I disagreed with some of his political views) This is a true literary classic.
Mar 15, 2009
Dawn
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Terrific read! I did not know that Martin Luther had such a great sense of humor. I also like reading bio's by authors written prior to the 1960's because I personally believe they are not politcally swayed, as many bio's now a days are.
Dec 08, 2008
Ned N.
rated it:
Inspiring. The life of Martin Luther was a very difficult life. He suffered a great deal as he stood for his beliefs. He died without denying his beliefs. In my opinion, he, and others, was forerunners of The Prophet Joseph Smith.
Mar 30, 2011
Ryan
rated it:
Very good insight into the man and his struggles. At times hard to read, yet incredibly enlightening if you press through. I loved how the author didn't skip over the undelightful parts of Luther's life, but showed the ugly alongside of the beautiful. It was a very good and holistic treatment of Luther's life, though only relating to his grown up life and the way he shaped the surrounding culture. Well worth reading.
Feb 22, 2011
Todd
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Fantastic book. Bainton's narrative style is easy to follow and a delight to read. Particularly in the first half of the book, he skilfully weaves Luther's theology into the narrative flow. Bainton also sets the historical context well. The author is also not afraid to speculate (in an informed manner) on the emotional and psychological state of Luther throughout his life. The latter half focuses more on Luther's theology, preaching, leadership, etc., so the flow of the biographical story is mor
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Jun 05, 2010
Michael
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I read this book during college. It's one of the best, most readable biographies of this great and flawed man. Very much worth reading for anyone who wants to understand this seminal figure in Western history.
Oct 23, 2009
Stuart
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I used the first few chapters of this book in my historical theology Sunday school class at Grace Evangelical in the Fall of 2008 (The Protestant Reformation).
Really great.
Really great.
Jan 31, 2011
Read this for university in rather quick haste, like most of my uni text's that's required for me to read. Will re-read again one day at a relaxation paste.
Sep 12, 2010
Ben
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This was my first biography on Martin Luther, and it was exceptional. Not only did it tell his story, but there was discussion of his personal struggles, family life, theological distinctives on a variety of issues, and the "negatives" of his life. It is a bit long, but a worthy read on the life of Martin Luther.
Dec 23, 2009
Kinga
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I suppose it was not necessarily the book, but the book's subject, Martin Luther, that influenced me a whole lot at the age of 19.
Dec 23, 2010
David
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Martin Luther was a very unique man in that he lacked the ability, it seems, to ignore or even cushion the proddings of conscience. His legal brilliance, when turned to spiritual matters, produce stunning results. Bainton notes that Luther was thought insane for his belief that the Devil was after him personally, but if I were the Devil, I would have wanted to take him out too. He was also thought to be in egomaniac because he held his views over those of "the church", actually mostly
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Aug 16, 2007
Jake
rated it:
I first read this in sophomore year of high school and fell in love. I read it again during research for a paper on Luther in college for one of the best teachers I've ever had.
This book is well written. Period. If you're not really a history nerd, you're not going to appreciate as much, but Bainton conveys a staggering amount of information in a relatively clear and concise manner. He doesn't fawn over his subject, but he doesn't rail against Luther's shortcomings, either.
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This book is well written. Period. If you're not really a history nerd, you're not going to appreciate as much, but Bainton conveys a staggering amount of information in a relatively clear and concise manner. He doesn't fawn over his subject, but he doesn't rail against Luther's shortcomings, either.
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