Martin Luther's radical actions in 16th-century Germany sparked off the dramatic process of the European Reformation. After a visit to Rome as a young monk, he began to deeply question the practices of the Catholic Church. He set in place a chain of events, which divided the church and brought about the Protestant Reformation. Famously appearing before the secular authorities at the 'Diet of Worms' in 1521 to defend his dissident beliefs, Luther worked throughout his life to further the reformation movement.

But were Luther's motivations as clear-cut as they might seem? Was he merely self-obsessed and egotistical rather than a guiding prophet of god? This important new biography portrays Luther, his concerns and his achievements with clarity and verve, and provides a comprehensive introduction for those seeking to understand the roots of the continuing discords in modern Christianity. Volently prejudiced yet inspiring, Luther is presented here with unflinching candor and honesty.