whose members are drawn from all denominations, is labouring
to bring back to the general awareness of a strongly secularised
world the oecumenical significance of Luther as a major prophet.

In such a changed situation the translation of this book into
English may claim to be justified. It is the work of a historian,
not a theologian; it is not written in order to contribute new
findings to the body of Lutheran theology. Its aim is rather to
present to the reader in as vivid a manner as possible the human-
ity, the religious experience, the historical role and the tragic
destiny of the Reformer. This approach, by fostering a sense
of participation and eschewing false heroism, is intended to let
the reader see Luther clearly, his greatness as well as his demon-
iacal characteristics and the limitations of his human condition
and power.

The chronological list appended at the end of this book may
prove useful to the reader unfamiliar with the highlights of
Luther's career and the main historical events of the German
Reformation.

January 1963

The main section of this book, which records the actual story of
Luther's life, has changed little since the earliest editions ( 1928-9),
although careful note was taken of all criticisms offered by
experts in this field, and of course attention has been paid to
the advances made in the general sphere of research on Luther.

The introduction and conclusion (Chapter 9) have, however,
been more extensively rewritten. The original plan of the book,
made shortly after the end of the First World War, emphasised
Luther's importance as a national hero, as the central figure of

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