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This was a very thorough read about Luther's life and is apparently still highly regarded today, even though it was published in 1950.

I think I would have preferred a more recent biography for the following reasons:

1. Bainton assumes a lot of knowledge of the political shifts within the Holy Roman Empire and the structures of power in the German states. More explanation, especially of the relationships between Emperor Charles, Frederick the Wise and various other power players would have helped it make more sense.

2. There are parts, especially the "No Other Foundation" chapter that switch from narrative to expository form and bang on turgidly about theological points. The grace vs. works debate was especially tedious. Anyone interested in Luther has probably already seen this material handled better elsewhere.

3. Bainton is clearly partial to Luther to the extent that I feel like I didn't get the whole story. Although Bainton makes efforts to acknowledge Luther's shortcomings, especially in his later life, I think these were presented as minor exceptions to Luther's perfection rather than a pattern of erratic overreaction.

4. The choice of woodcuts was excellent, but they were blurry and the captions did not explain them enough.

My favorite parts of this book were the quotes from Luther himself, and there were times that I wished it was nothing but a collection of Luther quotes.

"As for schoolteaching, it is so strenuous that no one ought to be bound to it for more than ten years."

This blunt comment about Katherine when they got engaged out of convenience: "God has given her to me, and other women have worse faults."

In general, all Luther's comments about God's presence in nature are beautiful.