Here I Stand : A Life of Martin Luther (1950)

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 nor expect to improve their station in life but accept whatever lowly status they may be born into and serve their betters cheerfully. He was, needless to say, in the pay of the aristocratic class he so felt he belonged to. Naturally this book is not required reading for Protestants in Sunday school. ( )

It has been said by others that Martin Luther was the first 'celebrity' - his fame of his breach with the Roman Catholic Church spread across the whole or Europe. Yet as this book shows, it was not something he wanted; he preferred reform of the church. He certainly did not agree at all with the radical derivations of German revolt against external oppression, like Munster.
Luther would have been exciting to be around. He loved a beer, enjoyed company, singing and music. Yet he also suffered from depression, and ill health. Bainton wonders whether this is related to his struggle with God, but it appears his depression may have been clinical.
The book is thorough in its discussion and analysis of Luther's interaction with the Roman Catholic Church, the local princes, and with Erasmus, his Bible translation and how he changed life in Germany. It covers his efforts to maintain peace (he was against the violence of Munster and others), but little is said of his influence on further reformers; for example, John Calvin is not mentioned.
The author concludes the book by briefly covering the latter years of his life; very briefly regarding his death which gets one sentence. He does cover the less pleasant aspects of Luther - his anti-Semitic writings (which he has is religious, not racial) and his coarseness (not uncommon in those days). It is these things that opponents of Luther grasp to discredit him and his legacy. ( )

A definitive biography of Martin Luther-warts and all. ( )

Haven't opened this one up yet...

An interesting if not particularly enjoyable read. The author's adoration of Luther comes across quite clearly, so it's a useful book for comparing different perspectives. I would never consider this a history text, but this would likely be a worthwhile book for anyone interested in religious history, regardless of which side of whatever fence you stand on. Also, I can't deny that Martin Luther is a major historical figure, so I'm glad to have read at least one biography on him, even if it was this one. ( )