An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

436. Luther: Showdown with the Emperor (Part 4)

April 01, 2024

Description

"I cannot and will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.…Here I stand, I can do no other” The Diet of Worms in April 1521 was one of history’s most dramatic...
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Books Referenced

The Reformation

Author: Diarmaid MacCulloch

Context:

Referenced when discussing the famous phrase 'here I stand, I can do no other' - the hosts mention that MacCulloch in his book on the Reformation says this phrase is the motto not just of the Reformation but of all modern Western civilization.

A Natural History of Ghosts

Author: Roger Clarke

Context:

Referenced when discussing Luther coining the word 'poltergeist' - Tom cites this book as the source for the claim that Luther invented the term.

Brand Luther

Author: Andrew Pettegree

Context:

Referenced when discussing Lucas Cranach's role in creating Luther's public image and the visual branding of the Reformation, including distinctive book bindings and fonts for Luther's pamphlets.

Reformations

Author: Carlos Eire

Context:

Described as a brilliant survey of the Reformation period, referenced when discussing how Luther's followers invented the satirical cartoon and used images as a medium of dissent on an unprecedented scale.