Paul Luckraft reviews ‘Martin Luther, Catholic Dissident’ by Peter Stanford (Hodder, 2017).
In the year when the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation is a major event, it was inevitable that new books on Martin Luther would be produced. Here is a very readable and substantial paperback at a reasonable price that is well worth investigating.
Written by a ‘Cradle Catholic’
The book is well-structured in three sections as we take the journey through Luther’s life and world. All the main events are discussed with a well-informed eye for detail, although at times there might be too much history for some.
The author describes himself as a ‘cradle Catholic’ - born into the faith and influenced by his early upbringing. He confesses that he is “sufficiently Catholic still to resort, when things around me are going awry, to my own prayers of supplication via the saints of my childhood…” (p2).
His introduction tells of a personal trip to Wittenberg made last year. This opening is entertaining but perhaps rather too lengthy, giving the early impression that the book is more about the author than his subject. However, this is soon forgotten as the author settles to his main task.
At times his approach is that of the sceptic: did this really happen? Did Luther really say this? Nevertheless, it is well within the author’s remit, writing as an historical biographer, to try to separate legend from recorded facts and this should not be seen as off-putting, either to the student of history or to the general reader.
Stanford clearly has an admiration for his subject.
A Valuable Contribution
Stanford clearly has an admiration for his subject, and Luther comes out of his analysis as a very real figure whose life occupied and influenced a key period in the religious history of Europe. Anyone whose knowledge of Luther and his times is sketchy and underdeveloped will certainly gain a much better understanding of this complex character with all his doubts and determination. The book illuminates this courageous Catholic dissident whose protests went far further than he probably ever envisaged.
The book concludes with several pages of endnotes and a full index, and can be thoroughly recommended as making a valuable contribution to a highly significant anniversary.
Martin Luther, Catholic Dissident (424 pages) is available from most major book retailers. RRP £10.99.
