Frederick the Wise - Softcover

Wellman, Sam

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0758649177 ISBN 13: 9780758649171

Publisher: Concordia Publishing House, 2015

Synopsis

Frederick the Wise unlocks German research to make available in English, for the first time, a full-length story of Frederick III of Saxony. The fascinating biographical journey reveals why this noteworthy elector risked his realm of Saxony to protect the fiery monk Martin Luther and the developing reforms of the Church. As one of the most powerful territorial princes of the Holy Roman Empire of his time, Frederick's "humanity and integrity were rare for someone of his elite status", notes Dr. Paul M. Bacon. "Elector Frederick the Wise of Saxony was much more than simply Martin Luther's noble protector."

A valuable resource for students of German history and the Reformation period.

Features:
Discusses how Frederick dominated other princes of the Holy Roman Empire for nearly 40 years
Tells why Frederick s only wife but not their children had to be kept secret
Chronology of events relevant to Frederick the Wise
Index of persons and places

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Sam Wellman grew up in central Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska. After obtaining a doctorate from Princeton University, Dr. Wellman worked in industry for several years. From 1987 to the present, he has used his knowledge of
German to write many biographies that center on the Reformation and those stalwarts who made it happen. Dr. Wellman traveled to Germany twice to personally visit and research the key sights in the life of Frederick. He lives in Kansas with his wife, Ruth.

Review

To his family, friends, peers, and subjects, Elector Frederick the Wise of
Saxony was much more than simply Martin Luther s noble protector. Dr.
Wellman s thoroughly researched and engaging biography paints a vivid
image of the Saxon elector. It is sure to become a valuable resource for
students of German history and the Reformation period. Interested
readers will be introduced to a Christian prince whose humanity and
integrity were rare for someone of his elite status within the German
empire. They will also encounter political intrigue and scandalous
behavior. Praiseworthy, yet not without his flaws, Frederick the Wise
steps out from the pages as an exceptional and noteworthy man of his
time. --Paul M. Bacon, PhD-Adjunct Professor of Art History Dominican University River Forest, IL

Sam Wellman s telling of the story of the public and personal life of
Luther s celebrated protector, Frederick the Wise, is a welcome addition
to Reformation scholarship as we approach 2017. His careful research
and well-crafted prose provide readers with insights into the risky yet
resolute Christian prince who defended Luther even as he received the
consolation of evangelical pastoral care from the Reformer. Aspects of
the relationship between these two men often only alluded to in standard
Luther biographies are developed with precision by Wellman. In this
book we learn much about Frederick but a lot about Luther as well. --John T. Pless, MDiv- Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, IN

In a biography with the character development, twists and turns, and
absorbing storyline of a novel, Sam Wellman recreates the life and times
of the powerful and resourceful ruler who made the Reformation
possible. Duke Frederick emerges as the adult in the room of squabbling
princes and an inept emperor. A man of peace, a vigorous patron of the
arts and education, and a skillful player in the byzantine mazes of late
medieval politics, Frederick was also a man of moral and theological
contradictions. But Frederick was a shrewd and stalwart defender of
Martin Luther, who was not above criticizing his protector. This book
brings the historical context of the Reformation to life. --Gene Edward Veith, PhD-Professor of Literature Patrick Henry College

Edition details

• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0758649177
• ISBN 13: 9780758649171
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 352