Luther's lives

Elizabeth Vandiver is Director of the Honors Humanities Program and Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Classics, University of Maryland Ralph Keen is Associate Professor of Religion, University of Iowa Thomas D. Frazel is Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Classical Studies, Tulane University

• Introduction1. Philip Melanchthon and the historical Luther2. Philip Melanchthon's history of the life and acts of Dr. Martin Luther3. Johannes Cochlaeus - an introduction to his life and work4. The deeds and writings of Dr. Martin Luther from the year of the Lord 1517 to the year 1546 related chronologically to all posterity by Johannes CochlaeusIndex

These two translations will prove to be very valuable additions to the collection of primary accounts of German Reformation history in the English world. The works offer unique, detailed, engaging accounts of the events surrounding Luther's reform movement; the translations are eloquent; and the introductions to both lives provide a very helpful framework for understanding the primary texts."By placing accurate new translations of these two "lives of Luther" side by side, Vandiver and her colleagues have allowed two very different perceptions of the significance of Luther to compete head to head. The result is as entertaining as it is informative, and a powerful reminder of the need to ensure that secondary works about the Reformation are never displaced by the primary sources.