A Short Life of Martin Luther

by Thomas Kaufmann, Peter D.S. Krey (Translator)

Accessible yet authoritative biography of the colorful character who instigated the Protestant Reformation   Martin Luther, the Augustinian friar who set the Protestant Reformation in motion with his famous Ninety-Five Theses, was a man of extremes on many fronts. He was both hated and honored, both reviled as a heretic and lauded as a kind of second Christ. He was both a quiet, solitary reader and interpreter of the Bible and the first media-star of history, using the printing press to reach many of his contemporaries and become the most-read theologian of the sixteenth century.   Thomas Kaufmann’s concise biography highlights the two conflicting “natures” of Martin Luther, depicting Luther’s earthiness as well as his soaring theological contributions, his flaws as well as his greatness. Exploring the close correlation between Luther’s Reformation theology and his historical context, A Short Life of Martin Luther serves as an ideal introduction to the life and thought of the most important figure in the Protestant Reformation.  

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2016

Reviews

[Jeremiah Gumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well done biography of Luther and his impact. The author does a fine job identifying the challenges that come with "telling the story" of Martin Luther. Text of the 95 Theses is an addendum as is a helpful list of "Further reading" books (although they leave out Martin Brecht's foundational 3-volume set on Luther). All in all, a fine addition to the works being written in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation.

[Isaiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative little biography. I love the focus on Luther's duality, which really made me realize I'm not alone in that regard. The addition of the 95 Thesis at the end of the work was a great addition as well.

[Peter Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief broad sympathetic overview of Luther's life and work. Interesting and stimulating.

[Jim Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

As this book is a translation from the German I found it difficult to read. However interesting in places.