Daughter Of The Reformation: A Historical Perspective Of the Life And Times Of The Wife Of Martin Luther

by Mary Helene Rasmussen Jackson

Many books have been written about the great Reformer Martin Luther, but we know considerably less about his wife Catharina von Bora, the primary relationship in his life. Mary Rasmussen Jackson tells Catharina's dramatic story with authenticity and compassion, deftly reporting what we know about von Bora and filling in the missing content with imagination, clarity, and compelling dialog. The reader is invited to walk beside Catharina, listen to her thoughts, and feel her emotions as she enters and eventually flees from the Nimschen Convent, meets and marries Martin Luther, and brings stability and grace to the Luther household even as the Reformation storm rages around them. The author writes with an intelligible style that is sometimes descriptive and other times evocative. She brings to the project the authenticity of one who grew up in a parsonage and experienced firsthand the rhythms of the parish that shape the flow of family life and relationships. For all of these reasons, this book will be helpful in deepening our understanding of the role of Catharina von Bora, "the Morningstar of Wittenberg," in the momentous life of her beloved Martin and the history shaping events of the Reformation.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 17, 2015

Reviews

[Mark]

This short work is an excellent summary of the history and theology of the Reformation. The author does give Catharine way more attention than most (but not as much as she is due) but to say she is the main topic or gets the most attention in this work may not be correct.

Clearly this is as well researched and scholarly work that will benefit generations. The author’s use of fiction (I.e. “stillness settled into the clay cracks of the walls and the bell tower of the Abbey the busy murmur of the nuns in the kitchen in the gardens was over for another day and the birds had long ceased chirping in the budding pear and apple trees in the orchards”) May be distracting to some but make the work accessible to others. In the same way, the use of quotations from Shakespeare, Lincoln, and Hugo seem out of place.

Overall, this book is a gift to the church and will be a tool well used for years to come.

[Elizabeth Rahn]

Catharina von Bora, Morning Star of Wittenberg, the first Pastor’s wife- what a wonderful novel in her memory!

[cindy moegenburg]

I enjoyed the book. Learned of Catharine Luther background and her involvement in the reformation.

[Jim]

This was very interesting. I enjoyed the picture of the era in which Martin and Catharina Martin lived. Because I was ignorant of some of the facts of his life, this was of great interest. Medieval life was hard, physically demanding. And theology was an intense subject: one's eternal life was in the balance. In addition, of course, one's temporal life might be threatened by choices.

Much of the book is speculative; it is an historical novel. Catharina's reactions are assumed - there is no writing. However, the relationship between the two can be presumed from Martin's written letters as well as the eventual disposition of his estate.

Why only three stars? The writing and organization are sometimes rather weak.

[Liz]

A thought-provoking look at what life was like during the Protestant Reformation through the eyes of Catharina von Bora, Martin Luther's wife. The writing ranges from eloquent storytelling to stiffer lapses into textbook historical description. Despite this clunkiness, it is an informative read with a unique perspective.

[Susan]

Loads of historical information but title is very misleading! Learned a lot about the reformation, Martin Luther's journey & the status of the church in the 1500's but given the title, thought I would be learning more about Catharina von Bora Luther.

[Susan Forsmark]

I have not read this book yet, but the author is Mary Helene Rasmussen Jackson.

[Annette]

the is good, that I read again.