1517: Martin Luther and the Invention of the Reformation Read Online

• Home
• My Books

1517: Martin Luther an... by
Peter Marshall

Open Preview

Meet a Problem?

We'd honey your assist. Let us know what's wrong with this preview of 1517 by Peter Marshall.

Thanks for telling united states of america nigh the trouble.

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this volume, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about 1517, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about 1517

Community Reviews

 · 35 ratings  · 9 reviews

First your review of 1517: Martin Luther and the Invention of the Reformation

1517 is a short but thorough survey of the images of Luther in the past 500 years. Marshall explains the social and political contexts of the different images to show the reader that what people accept thought about Luther in each generation has largely been influenced by gimmicky events. This volume is also a adept study of Protestant historiography. Most readers of this book will be encountering the written report of the writing of history for the first time. Through his analysis of the different images 1517 is a short just thorough survey of the images of Luther in the past 500 years. Marshall explains the social and political contexts of the different images to show the reader that what people accept idea about Luther in each generation has largely been influenced by contemporary events. This book is also a expert study of Protestant historiography. Most readers of this volume volition exist encountering the study of the writing of history for the first fourth dimension. Through his assay of the different images of Luther (particularly images of the nailing of the 95 Theses), Marshall encourages the reader to consider how past events are understood collectively. I would have preferred a full chapter dedicated to Luther's social and political views. I have a potent groundwork in Reformation history, but the general reader may but know a few stories virtually Luther (the posting of the 95 Theses, the burning of the Balderdash of Excommunication, or the speech at the Diet of Worms). Finally,, Marshall is at his best when he analyzes all of the images of Luther in a particular century, instead of focusing exclusively on images of the posting of the 95 Theses. The posting of the theses is a popular prototype of Luther, merely so is the every bit legendary "Here I Stand" line at the end of Luther's speech communication at the Nutrition of Worms. The erstwhile gets a lot of accent, but the latter doesn't get much mention. Despite these few criticisms, I strongly recommend 1517 to anyone interested in Protestant history and/or the 500th ceremony of the Reformation. ...more

First of all, tin can we concord that it should exist "95" or "ninety-five" but never "ninetyfive", like WTF.

Distinctly weird hyphenation aside, 1517: Martin Luther and the Invention of the Reformation, is a thoughtful examination of one of those well-celebrated yet mythologized moments in history. Peter Marshall uses the stories surrounding Luther's apocryphal posting of the 95 theses to examine the character of the Reformation in Luther's time, his legacy and effects on the Reformation, and the endurin

First of all, can we hold that it should exist "95" or "xc-five" but never "ninetyfive", similar WTF.

Distinctly weird hyphenation bated, 1517: Martin Luther and the Invention of the Reformation, is a thoughtful examination of 1 of those well-historic still mythologized moments in history. Peter Marshall uses the stories surrounding Luther's counterfeit posting of the 95 theses to examine the character of the Reformation in Luther'southward time, his legacy and furnishings on the Reformation, and the enduring nature of the thesis-posting every bit a watershed moment in European politics and religion. The intricate differences between and among the Catholic church and various Protestant denominations provide no cease of fascination for me (I have lost many an 60 minutes to the very detailed Wikipedia articles on these topics—seriously, that stuff is complex). As such, when this book showed up on NetGalley, it immediately caught my eye. Cheers to NetGalley and Oxford University Press for making it available.

Prior to reading this, I had picayune knowledge of Martin Luther or his 95 theses across vague recollections of something in a Grade 12 history form (and fifty-fifty so I think we spent more time on Giordano Bruno). I knew that Luther had played a significant role in the early Reformation, and that he had written his 95 theses, and I had heard the story of him nailing them to the church wall. I was unaware of the larger context, or the mode in which this story has been magnified and repeated even though the outcome itself might not have happened.

Marshall himself takes the stance that Luther almost certainly did non smash his theses to the Wittenberg church(es) on October 31. However, he too pushes back confronting the thought that the thesis-posting is as unimportant a detail as, say, the apple that didn't fall on Newton's caput. He argues that the theses may have been posted on church building doors at some point in the following month, because—and this I did not know—posting stuff you wanted to contend almost on church building doors was the Hot New Thing back in Luther'southward twenty-four hour period, kind of a post-Renaissance version of shouting into the abyss that is Twitter. Marshall concludes from his examination of the story around this story that the mythologizing of the thesis-posting tells us so much almost the early Reformation.

This is the kind of history book I do quite savour. Rather than simply retelling history to me in a mode that claims to be objective, Marshall examines it, equally if under a microscope. He pulls information technology this fashion and that, asking contradictory what-ifs and then pursuing lines of research to their logical conclusions. He points out where gimmicky writers may have been mistaken, or deliberately conflated things. He reminds united states that translations are fallible, and especially dorsum in that fourth dimension, for many people a single translation would be their but way to read and sympathise a text. Every bit such, those translations might propagate unintentional errors beyond unabridged generations. Marshall reminds us that history is not this static affair left hither for historians to lecture virtually; information technology is a dynamic serial of snapshots, some of which lie or are likewise grainy to brand out, and we are constantly re-interpreting it.

Marshall points out that whether or not Luther posted the theses to the church door on October 31 matters. If Luther did this, it was much more an act of deliberate rebellion against the Church than if he simply posted (as in mailed) the theses to his bishop for approving to publish them. Indeed, similar everyone else who hasn't actually read the theses and fabricated a report of what Luther was arguing, I wasn't aware how Luther began his journeying as a reformer from a conciliatory position. At kickoff he'due south all, "Well, the pope isn't that bad; it'southward these local corrupt officials who are misusing indulgences!" and it isn't until years later, after the usual song-and-dance of persecution and excommunication, that Luther actually changes his melody and declares the pope anathema.

At some points, the depth of Marshall'south inquiry goes beyond my tastes equally a lay person. I'm increasingly finding this is the example with the academy press publications I grab from NetGalley. That'due south not a criticism of them, because obviously I'm not the target audience here. But I always like to mention information technology, in case you are besides not in the target audience; you should know what you're getting into. 1517 is among the more attainable works I've read lately in this format. Nonetheless, this book'southward topic is very specialized. Although Marshall brings upwardly more than points of general history and talks about the Reformation in general during parts of the book, he (rightly) focuses tightly on Luther's calorie-free-cone.

And so, if y'all're looking for a volume specifically nigh Martin Luther, the Reformation, and the posting of the 95 theses, you lot came to the right place. If you want a more than full general history of the Reformation, or a more narrative presentation of the subject matter, you might be disappointed. 1517 is scholarly but not stupefying, informative but not imposing.

...more than

This book is not really nearly Martin Luther or even exclusively about the year 1517. It is more of a detailed study of the posting of the 95 Theses - whether or not it really happened and how the activeness (whether historical or fable) has been viewed and inspired others throughout the five centuries since.

While this was an interesting study, I couldn't help but wonder throughout my reading of it how much it really mattered. I will admit that, equally one who has studied the era and even visited Witten

This book is not really about Martin Luther or fifty-fifty exclusively about the year 1517. Information technology is more than of a detailed study of the posting of the 95 Theses - whether or not it really happened and how the action (whether historical or legend) has been viewed and inspired others throughout the five centuries since.

While this was an interesting report, I couldn't help just wonder throughout my reading of it how much it actually mattered. I will admit that, as one who has studied the era and even visited Wittenberg, I am not entirely convinced that Luther did boldly smash the 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church on October 31, 1517. However, the spark of the Reformation was lit and Martin Luther'south journey began on that day, even if he did only mail the discussion points to his archbishop rather than immediately publicize them.

The author includes a detailed study on how the starting time of the Reformation has been memorialized and celebrated through the ages. This is partially evidence to disprove the Theses posting, simply information technology is an interesting look at how different people in different ages and circumstances viewed Luther's piece of work. Dissimilar generations placed more significance on the Diet of Worms or the burning of the Papal Bull or simply Luther's nascence or decease ceremony. How did we come up to focus on the Theses posting as the almost pregnant upshot giving life to the Reformation? The author is not sure and seems disappointed in the pick.

I can relate. I have stood before the doors that are now bronze and embossed with the words of the 95 Theses, and was thrilled to exist at that place. Only wasn't Luther'southward 'On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church' more important? Wasn't the Diet of Worms when he truly stood up for reform? Maybe, but earlier those more than compelling events, Luther had to go through the experiences that the 95 Theses brought nigh. Perhaps the burning of his notice of excommunication is more defiant and bold, just it would non have happened without the 95 Theses.

Peradventure the passing years have injected October 31, 1517 with more of the drama of the events that followed information technology because we similar the movie-worthy moment of the mild and obedient monk angrily hammering his objections to the door of the very church building he is protesting. Mayhap the Theses really weren't posted until Luther had been ignored by the proper chain of command. Maybe he had a student glue them up, as would accept been more proper than the professor of theology taking nails to the church building door. Maybe people didn't get together in excitement the moment the discover went upwardly. However, in hindsight, people of Luther's time and many more since have recognized October 31, 1517 as the day when Martin Luther began something that inverse the world.

I received this book through NetGalley. Opinions are my ain.

...more

Peter Marshall is a historian at Warwick University, and an accomplished scholar of the English Reformation, who in this book takes a look at the whole idea of "The Reformation" as a singular event took hold in people'due south minds by examining the genesis and spread of the "95 Theses" tale. This is the story that Luther nailed his theses against the abuse of indulgences on the Castle Church building door at Wittenberg. Marshall relays the prevailing bookish stance that the event never happened: it first app Peter Marshall is a historian at Warwick University, and an achieved scholar of the English Reformation, who in this volume takes a look at the whole thought of "The Reformation" as a atypical event took hold in people's minds by examining the genesis and spread of the "95 Theses" tale. This is the story that Luther nailed his theses confronting the corruption of indulgences on the Castle Church door at Wittenberg. Marshall relays the prevailing academic opinion that the event never happened: it first appears in a biography written by his protoge Philip Melancthon shortly after Luther's death, and Marshall does an first-class task of tracing the evolution of this story over time. Taking it from 1517 and then showing how information technology was commemorated in 1617, 1817 and 1917, Marshall details in highly readable prose how the story was reshaped and interpreted according to differing historical circumstances (the Thirty Years War, the Mail Napoleonic Era, WWI) finally ending with how academic historians came to doubt the reality of the event. Throughout this telling, Marshall hints at the construction of a broad view of "The Reformation" equally a response to the about immediate fracturing of the evangelical movement in the 1520s: since they had no prospect of unity of conventionalities (particularly in Germany, with the split between Lutheran and Reformed), the idea that the various Protestant churches began with a single, historical result allowed them to trace a shared history, so they could at least take some hope that this history was moving toward unity, fifty-fifty every bit it continued to elude them. Without coming down on any side of the Reformation carve up, Marshall does a splendid task of synthesizing an immense historiography as well as relaying the sense of the historical bear witness to a lay audience. This is no easy feat for an academic author, and though one doubts that this volume volition e'er gain a broad audience, it is masterfully washed and perfect for an educated layman. Highly recommended ...more

When I requested this book from Netgalley, I anticipated that information technology would be more about Martin Luther and the events leading up to the iconic moment he pounded those theses on the church door. I was woefully ignorant. While Peter Marshall gives plenty of groundwork information on the man, Martin Luther really isn't the focus of this volume. Possibly I should have read the description better! Though it wasn't what I was expecting, I think I enjoyed the content much more than I would take had it been a When I requested this book from Netgalley, I predictable that it would be more nigh Martin Luther and the events leading up to the iconic moment he pounded those theses on the church door. I was woefully ignorant. While Peter Marshall gives plenty of background information on the homo, Martin Luther actually isn't the focus of this book. Mayhap I should have read the description better! Though it wasn't what I was expecting, I call back I enjoyed the content much more than than I would have had it been a directly biography.

1517 takes a wait at that one specific issue (the posting of the theses) and then puts it in the wider context of public remembrance. How is it that an result that probably never even happened came to be regarded as an absolute?

The premise of the book is similar to that of a dissertation, but Marshall's style is engaging enough that even a lay-person would find it an enjoyable read. Highly Recommend!

...more

A very dry historical read that has left me with unclear emotions on Martin Luther. I really need to either re-read this, or read another book regarding his contributions to the Reformation ...

For centuries people have had a precise date to market the offset of the reformation, that beingness Martin Luther'southward nailing of his 95 Theses against the sale of indulgences, to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on 31 October 1517.

Even so Peter Marshall reviews the bachelor evidence and concludes (as have others previously) that, very probably this upshot (the Thesenanschlang) never actually happened. However that does not matter as the very 'idea' that information technology did happened, combined with Luther

For centuries people take had a precise appointment to marketplace the start of the reformation, that existence Martin Luther's nailing of his 95 Theses confronting the auction of indulgences, to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on 31 October 1517.

However Peter Marshall reviews the available evidence and concludes (as have others previously) that, very probably this event (the Thesenanschlang) never really happened. Nevertheless that does not matter as the very 'thought' that information technology did happened, combined with Luther's actual deportment, clearly did change the earth.

This is a great examination of what did actually happen in 1517-1520 plus an examination of how the Thesenanschlang was; 'remembered', celebrated and portrayed over the following 500 years, and all packed into a little over 200 pages.

...more than

A book I've been wanting for a long time: a reception history of "Reformation Twenty-four hour period," in particular Luther's "thesenanschlag" (posting of the 95 theses). Marshall has a chapter on 1517, 1617, 1817, and 1917 and explores the diverse ways the memory of the thesenanschlag was used for a variety of means, be information technology confessional solidarity, German language unification, or Nazi terrors.

That being the example, it seems like the thought didn't match the execution as some chapters dragged on for a bit. My favorite capacity,

A volume I've been wanting for a long time: a reception history of "Reformation Day," in item Luther'south "thesenanschlag" (posting of the 95 theses). Marshall has a chapter on 1517, 1617, 1817, and 1917 and explores the various ways the retention of the thesenanschlag was used for a variety of means, exist it confessional solidarity, German unification, or Nazi terrors.

That existence the case, it seems like the idea didn't lucifer the execution as some chapters dragged on for a bit. My favorite chapters, all the same, were on 1817 and 1917 and the ways in which the thesenanschlag became more and more a political than religious moment.

All things considered, an enjoyable, fresh take on Luther and his legacy in a world in which that is increasingly rare.

...more

An interesting survey of the myths and legends surrounding Luther's 95 Theses. A overnice objective exam of the historical record over the terminal 500 years separates fact from fiction.

Peter Marshall is Professor of History at the University of Warwick, with a particular involvement in the written report of religious belief and do in sixteenth and seventeenth-century England and the cultural impact of the English language Reformation. He has published widely in the field, including a survey of the catamenia, Reformation England 1480-1642, and The Cosmic Priesthood and the English language Reformation, a Peter Marshall is Professor of History at the University of Warwick, with a particular interest in the study of religious belief and practice in sixteenth and seventeenth-century England and the cultural bear on of the English Reformation. He has published widely in the field, including a survey of the menstruation, Reformation England 1480-1642, and The Catholic Priesthood and the English language Reformation, also published by Oxford University Press.
...more than

News & Interviews

Is at that place whatever better feeling than cracking open a great book? How about starting a not bad book…nearly books? For the readers who love to read...

Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign y'all in to your Goodreads account.

oliverthretur.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35901207-1517

Share this post