Reviews
"However, the combination of science, politics, religion, education, and culture provides a different view of familiar topics that deserves consideration, and his writing style makes it an enjoyable read for everyone, regardless of their knowledge of Martin Luther. Thus, Harline's book achieves his objective and is well worth reading." -- Nancy Saultz Radloff, Anglican and Episcopal History"Written in novel-like fashion, it provides an engaging overview of the facts, as currently believed, on the early Reformation Recommended."--CHOICE"There could be few more enjoyable or instructive ways to meet Dr. Martin Luther than in the company of Craig Harline. This engaging book combines wit and human sympathy with a deep knowledge of the period, and it moves with the energy of a good novel." -- Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of The Reformation and Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years"Here one of the most remarkable stories in all of European history meets one of the most gifted storytellers among all historians writing today. Even readers familiar with the astonishing, unexpected emergence of Martin Luther and his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 will love the concrete immediacy and reconstructed real-life character of Craig Harline's gripping, gritty, and graceful account." -- Brad S. Gregory, author of The Unintended Reformation: How aReligious Revolution Secularized Society"Captivating and illuminating. Craig Harline offers us a revealing glimpse of one of the world's most significant figures. Focusing on the most turbulent years of Luther's reforming career, Harline gets us under his subject's skin, making him come alive. At the very same time, he also helps us understand the various social, political, cultural, and spiritual issues that shaped his Reformation. With impressive skill and a distinctive prose reminiscent ofHemingway, he deftly sheds new light on Luther the man: a flesh-and-bone monk whose inner struggles turned into a movement that surprised the world and changed it forever." -- Carlos Eire, T. Lawrason RiggsProfessor of History and Religious Studies, Yale University"This is not the story of Luther the crusading reformer but of a compassionate priest and brilliant scholar compelled by internal and external forces that would lead him to become that reformer... There are discussions of political and religious situations of the era, lively outlines of significant personalities, and overviews of the academic and intellectual climate. These provide a vivid portrayal, told with a deft and light touch of an amused yet sometimesperplexed admirer. Harline provides plenty of drama, giving a window into the apprehension felt by all involved in this part of history." --Library Journal"Harline tells this tale in a folksy style meant to draw readers into the world of 16th-century Europe, focusing less on stodgy facts and more on personal details... an approachable, worthwhile introduction to the beginnings of the Reformation." --Kirkus Reviews"An exceptionally accessible scholarly historian, Harline homes in on the opening years of the Reformation, from the 95 theses Martin Luther posted on the Wittenberg castle cathedral door through the first six years of reaction to them." --Booklist"an engagingly written account of what Harline describes as Luther's 'first trembly years of fame' ... Harline's take on Luther's formative years is gripping and well-informed. The text is supported by illustrations and beautifully drawn maps ... [Harline] succeeds in demonstrating the complex factors that shaped Luther's formative years."- Theology, "However, the combination of science, politics, religion, education, and culture provides a different view of familiar topics that deserves consideration, and his writing style makes it an enjoyable read for everyone, regardless of their knowledge of Martin Luther. Thus, Harline's book achieves his objective and is well worth reading." -- Nancy Saultz Radloff, Anglican and Episcopal History "Written in novel-like fashion, it provides an engaging overview of the facts, as currently believed, on the early Reformation Recommended."--CHOICE "There could be few more enjoyable or instructive ways to meet Dr. Martin Luther than in the company of Craig Harline. This engaging book combines wit and human sympathy with a deep knowledge of the period, and it moves with the energy of a good novel." -- Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of The Reformation and Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years "Here one of the most remarkable stories in all of European history meets one of the most gifted storytellers among all historians writing today. Even readers familiar with the astonishing, unexpected emergence of Martin Luther and his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 will love the concrete immediacy and reconstructed real-life character of Craig Harline's gripping, gritty, and graceful account." -- Brad S. Gregory, author of The Unintended Reformation: How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society "Captivating and illuminating. Craig Harline offers us a revealing glimpse of one of the world's most significant figures. Focusing on the most turbulent years of Luther's reforming career, Harline gets us under his subject's skin, making him come alive. At the very same time, he also helps us understand the various social, political, cultural, and spiritual issues that shaped his Reformation. With impressive skill and a distinctive prose reminiscent of Hemingway, he deftly sheds new light on Luther the man: a flesh-and-bone monk whose inner struggles turned into a movement that surprised the world and changed it forever." -- Carlos Eire, T. Lawrason Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies, Yale University "This is not the story of Luther the crusading reformer but of a compassionate priest and brilliant scholar compelled by internal and external forces that would lead him to become that reformer... There are discussions of political and religious situations of the era, lively outlines of significant personalities, and overviews of the academic and intellectual climate. These provide a vivid portrayal, told with a deft and light touch of an amused yet sometimes perplexed admirer. Harline provides plenty of drama, giving a window into the apprehension felt by all involved in this part of history." --Library Journal "Harline tells this tale in a folksy style meant to draw readers into the world of 16th-century Europe, focusing less on stodgy facts and more on personal details... an approachable, worthwhile introduction to the beginnings of the Reformation." --Kirkus Reviews "An exceptionally accessible scholarly historian, Harline homes in on the opening years of the Reformation, from the 95 theses Martin Luther posted on the Wittenberg castle cathedral door through the first six years of reaction to them." --Booklist "an engagingly written account of what Harline describes as Luther's 'first trembly years of fame' ... Harline's take on Luther's formative years is gripping and well-informed. The text is supported by illustrations and beautifully drawn maps ... [Harline] succeeds in demonstrating the complex factors that shaped Luther's formative years."- Theology, "Written in novel-like fashion, it provides an engaging overview of the facts, as currently believed, on the early Reformation Recommended."--CHOICE "There could be few more enjoyable or instructive ways to meet Dr. Martin Luther than in the company of Craig Harline. This engaging book combines wit and human sympathy with a deep knowledge of the period, and it moves with the energy of a good novel." -- Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of The Reformation and Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years "Here one of the most remarkable stories in all of European history meets one of the most gifted storytellers among all historians writing today. Even readers familiar with the astonishing, unexpected emergence of Martin Luther and his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 will love the concrete immediacy and reconstructed real-life character of Craig Harline's gripping, gritty, and graceful account." -- Brad S. Gregory, author of The Unintended Reformation: How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society "Captivating and illuminating. Craig Harline offers us a revealing glimpse of one of the world's most significant figures. Focusing on the most turbulent years of Luther's reforming career, Harline gets us under his subject's skin, making him come alive. At the very same time, he also helps us understand the various social, political, cultural, and spiritual issues that shaped his Reformation. With impressive skill and a distinctive prose reminiscent of Hemingway, he deftly sheds new light on Luther the man: a flesh-and-bone monk whose inner struggles turned into a movement that surprised the world and changed it forever." -- Carlos Eire, T. Lawrason Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies, Yale University "This is not the story of Luther the crusading reformer but of a compassionate priest and brilliant scholar compelled by internal and external forces that would lead him to become that reformer... There are discussions of political and religious situations of the era, lively outlines of significant personalities, and overviews of the academic and intellectual climate. These provide a vivid portrayal, told with a deft and light touch of an amused yet sometimes perplexed admirer. Harline provides plenty of drama, giving a window into the apprehension felt by all involved in this part of history." --Library Journal "Harline tells this tale in a folksy style meant to draw readers into the world of 16th-century Europe, focusing less on stodgy facts and more on personal details... an approachable, worthwhile introduction to the beginnings of the Reformation." --Kirkus Reviews "An exceptionally accessible scholarly historian, Harline homes in on the opening years of the Reformation, from the 95 theses Martin Luther posted on the Wittenberg castle cathedral door through the first six years of reaction to them." --Booklist "an engagingly written account of what Harline describes as Luther's 'first trembly years of fame' ... Harline's take on Luther's formative years is gripping and well-informed. The text is supported by illustrations and beautifully drawn maps ... [Harline] succeeds in demonstrating the complex factors that shaped Luther's formative years."- Theology, "There could be few more enjoyable or instructive ways to meet Dr. Martin Luther than in the company of Craig Harline. This engaging book combines wit and human sympathy with a deep knowledge of the period, and it moves with the energy of a good novel." -- Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of The Reformation and Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years "Here one of the most remarkable stories in all of European history meets one of the most gifted storytellers among all historians writing today. Even readers familiar with the astonishing, unexpected emergence of Martin Luther and his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 will love the concrete immediacy and reconstructed real-life character of Craig Harline's gripping, gritty, and graceful account." -- Brad S. Gregory, author of The Unintended Reformation: How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society "Captivating and illuminating. Craig Harline offers us a revealing glimpse of one of the world's most significant figures. Focusing on the most turbulent years of Luther's reforming career, Harline gets us under his subject's skin, making him come alive. At the very same time, he also helps us understand the various social, political, cultural, and spiritual issues that shaped his Reformation. With impressive skill and a distinctive prose reminiscent of Hemingway, he deftly sheds new light on Luther the man: a flesh-and-bone monk whose inner struggles turned into a movement that surprised the world and changed it forever." -- Carlos Eire, T. Lawrason Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies, Yale University, "However, the combination of science, politics, religion, education, and culture provides a different view of familiar topics that deserves consideration, and his writing style makes it an enjoyable read for everyone, regardless of their knowledge of Martin Luther. Thus, Harline's book achieves his objective and is well worth reading." -- Nancy Saultz Radloff, Anglican and Episcopal History"Written in novel-like fashion, it provides an engaging overview of the facts, as currently believed, on the early Reformation Recommended."--CHOICE"There could be few more enjoyable or instructive ways to meet Dr. Martin Luther than in the company of Craig Harline. This engaging book combines wit and human sympathy with a deep knowledge of the period, and it moves with the energy of a good novel." -- Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of The Reformation and Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years "Here one of the most remarkable stories in all of European history meets one of the most gifted storytellers among all historians writing today. Even readers familiar with the astonishing, unexpected emergence of Martin Luther and his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 will love the concrete immediacy and reconstructed real-life character of Craig Harline's gripping, gritty, and graceful account." -- Brad S. Gregory, author of The Unintended Reformation: How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society "Captivating and illuminating. Craig Harline offers us a revealing glimpse of one of the world's most significant figures. Focusing on the most turbulent years of Luther's reforming career, Harline gets us under his subject's skin, making him come alive. At the very same time, he also helps us understand the various social, political, cultural, and spiritual issues that shaped his Reformation. With impressive skill and a distinctive prose reminiscent of Hemingway, he deftly sheds new light on Luther the man: a flesh-and-bone monk whose inner struggles turned into a movement that surprised the world and changed it forever." -- Carlos Eire, T. Lawrason Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies, Yale University "This is not the story of Luther the crusading reformer but of a compassionate priest and brilliant scholar compelled by internal and external forces that would lead him to become that reformer... There are discussions of political and religious situations of the era, lively outlines of significant personalities, and overviews of the academic and intellectual climate. These provide a vivid portrayal, told with a deft and light touch of an amused yet sometimes perplexed admirer. Harline provides plenty of drama, giving a window into the apprehension felt by all involved in this part of history." --Library Journal"Harline tells this tale in a folksy style meant to draw readers into the world of 16th-century Europe, focusing less on stodgy facts and more on personal details... an approachable, worthwhile introduction to the beginnings of the Reformation." --Kirkus Reviews"An exceptionally accessible scholarly historian, Harline homes in on the opening years of the Reformation, from the 95 theses Martin Luther posted on the Wittenberg castle cathedral door through the first six years of reaction to them." --Booklist"an engagingly written account of what Harline describes as Luther's 'first trembly years of fame' ... Harline's take on Luther's formative years is gripping and well-informed. The text is supported by illustrations and beautifully drawn maps ... [Harline] succeeds in demonstrating the complex factors that shaped Luther's formative years."- Theology, "There could be few more enjoyable or instructive ways to meet Dr. Martin Luther than in the company of Craig Harline. This engaging book combines wit and human sympathy with a deep knowledge of the period, and it moves with the energy of a good novel." --Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of The Reformation and Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years "Here one of the most remarkable stories in all of European history meets one of the most gifted storytellers among all historians writing today. Even readers familiar with the astonishing, unexpected emergence of Martin Luther and his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 will love the concrete immediacy and reconstructed real-life character of Craig Harline's gripping, gritty, and graceful account." --Brad S. Gregory, author of The Unintended Reformation: How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society "Captivating and illuminating. Craig Harline offers us a revealing glimpse of one of the world's most significant figures. Focusing on the most turbulent years of Luther's reforming career, Harline gets us under his subject's skin, making him come alive. At the very same time, he also helps us understand the various social, political, cultural, and spiritual issues that shaped his Reformation. With impressive skill and a distinctive prose reminiscent of Hemingway, he deftly sheds new light on Luther the man: a flesh-and-bone monk whose inner struggles turned into a movement that surprised the world and changed it forever." --Carlos Eire, T. Lawrason Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies, Yale University, "There could be few more enjoyable or instructive ways to meet Dr. Martin Luther than in the company of Craig Harline. This engaging book combines wit and human sympathy with a deep knowledge of the period, and it moves with the energy of a good novel." -- Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of The Reformation and Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years "Here one of the most remarkable stories in all of European history meets one of the most gifted storytellers among all historians writing today. Even readers familiar with the astonishing, unexpected emergence of Martin Luther and his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 will love the concrete immediacy and reconstructed real-life character of Craig Harline's gripping, gritty, and graceful account." -- Brad S. Gregory, author of The Unintended Reformation: How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society "Captivating and illuminating. Craig Harline offers us a revealing glimpse of one of the world's most significant figures. Focusing on the most turbulent years of Luther's reforming career, Harline gets us under his subject's skin, making him come alive. At the very same time, he also helps us understand the various social, political, cultural, and spiritual issues that shaped his Reformation. With impressive skill and a distinctive prose reminiscent of Hemingway, he deftly sheds new light on Luther the man: a flesh-and-bone monk whose inner struggles turned into a movement that surprised the world and changed it forever." -- Carlos Eire, T. Lawrason Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies, Yale University "This is not the story of Luther the crusading reformer but of a compassionate priest and brilliant scholar compelled by internal and external forces that would lead him to become that reformer... There are discussions of political and religious situations of the era, lively outlines of significant personalities, and overviews of the academic and intellectual climate. These provide a vivid portrayal, told with a deft and light touch of an amused yet sometimes perplexed admirer. Harline provides plenty of drama, giving a window into the apprehension felt by all involved in this part of history." --Library Journal, "Written in novel-like fashion, it provides an engaging overview of the facts, as currently believed, on the early Reformation Recommended."--CHOICE "There could be few more enjoyable or instructive ways to meet Dr. Martin Luther than in the company of Craig Harline. This engaging book combines wit and human sympathy with a deep knowledge of the period, and it moves with the energy of a good novel." -- Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of The Reformation and Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years "Here one of the most remarkable stories in all of European history meets one of the most gifted storytellers among all historians writing today. Even readers familiar with the astonishing, unexpected emergence of Martin Luther and his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 will love the concrete immediacy and reconstructed real-life character of Craig Harline's gripping, gritty, and graceful account." -- Brad S. Gregory, author of The Unintended Reformation: How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society "Captivating and illuminating. Craig Harline offers us a revealing glimpse of one of the world's most significant figures. Focusing on the most turbulent years of Luther's reforming career, Harline gets us under his subject's skin, making him come alive. At the very same time, he also helps us understand the various social, political, cultural, and spiritual issues that shaped his Reformation. With impressive skill and a distinctive prose reminiscent of Hemingway, he deftly sheds new light on Luther the man: a flesh-and-bone monk whose inner struggles turned into a movement that surprised the world and changed it forever." -- Carlos Eire, T. Lawrason Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies, Yale University "This is not the story of Luther the crusading reformer but of a compassionate priest and brilliant scholar compelled by internal and external forces that would lead him to become that reformer... There are discussions of political and religious situations of the era, lively outlines of significant personalities, and overviews of the academic and intellectual climate. These provide a vivid portrayal, told with a deft and light touch of an amused yet sometimes perplexed admirer. Harline provides plenty of drama, giving a window into the apprehension felt by all involved in this part of history." --Library Journal "Harline tells this tale in a folksy style meant to draw readers into the world of 16th-century Europe, focusing less on stodgy facts and more on personal details... an approachable, worthwhile introduction to the beginnings of the Reformation." --Kirkus Reviews "An exceptionally accessible scholarly historian, Harline homes in on the opening years of the Reformation, from the 95 theses Martin Luther posted on the Wittenberg castle cathedral door through the first six years of reaction to them." --Booklist, "There could be few more enjoyable or instructive ways to meet Dr. Martin Luther than in the company of Craig Harline. This engaging book combines wit and human sympathy with a deep knowledge of the period, and it moves with the energy of a good novel." -- Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of The Reformation and Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years "Here one of the most remarkable stories in all of European history meets one of the most gifted storytellers among all historians writing today. Even readers familiar with the astonishing, unexpected emergence of Martin Luther and his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 will love the concrete immediacy and reconstructed real-life character of Craig Harline's gripping, gritty, and graceful account." -- Brad S. Gregory, author of The Unintended Reformation: How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society "Captivating and illuminating. Craig Harline offers us a revealing glimpse of one of the world's most significant figures. Focusing on the most turbulent years of Luther's reforming career, Harline gets us under his subject's skin, making him come alive. At the very same time, he also helps us understand the various social, political, cultural, and spiritual issues that shaped his Reformation. With impressive skill and a distinctive prose reminiscent of Hemingway, he deftly sheds new light on Luther the man: a flesh-and-bone monk whose inner struggles turned into a movement that surprised the world and changed it forever." -- Carlos Eire, T. Lawrason Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies, Yale University "This is not the story of Luther the crusading reformer but of a compassionate priest and brilliant scholar compelled by internal and external forces that would lead him to become that reformer... There are discussions of political and religious situations of the era, lively outlines of significant personalities, and overviews of the academic and intellectual climate. These provide a vivid portrayal, told with a deft and light touch of an amused yet sometimes perplexed admirer. Harline provides plenty of drama, giving a window into the apprehension felt by all involved in this part of history." --Library Journal "Harline tells this tale in a folksy style meant to draw readers into the world of 16th-century Europe, focusing less on stodgy facts and more on personal details... an approachable, worthwhile introduction to the beginnings of the Reformation." --Kirkus Reviews "An exceptionally accessible scholarly historian, Harline homes in on the opening years of the Reformation, from the 95 theses Martin Luther posted on the Wittenberg castle cathedral door through the first six years of reaction to them." --Booklist
