Book Reviewed: Renegade: Martin Luther, by Dacia Palmerino and Andrea Ciponte

The Heretic: Martin Luther

This year is the 500 anniversary of the reformation that began when Martin Luther, a stubborn monk and a leader of protestant movement, published his 95 theses or complaints against Catholic Church. This marks the beginning of a revolution in the annals of Christianism. But the interesting thing about this book is that there are about 11 other books published in 2017. In addition, this biography is a graphical illustration and not a textual record. It is certainly creative, but the pictorial arts are unappealing. The graphics is poorly portrayed; much of life-like illustrations are dark or dark brown. In many instances the background is too dark to really appreciate the vibrancy of historical facts. The author fail to hold the reader’s interest. Comparing this book to textual biographies already published, this work comes short. Another con is that the pages of the book have a very unpleasant odor, and the smell simply does not go away.

While being born in poverty, plague, and superstitions, Martin Luther joins a monastery after graduating from the university. He becomes disillusioned with the practices of Catholic Church and seeks for redemption. Luther begins to revolt against Rome’s teachings. He spends his time incognito at Wartburg Castle, translates Bible into German, and finally his morally offensive marriage to former nun Katharina von Bora reflects negatively in the eyes of Catholic Church. In his later years, his tirades against peasants and Jews tarnishes his character. Despite that, one of the bright aspect of this book is the final chapter, “The Epilogue.” This is perhaps the best work of the creators wherein the a private conversation between Luther’s companion Philip Melanchthon and Luther’s crypt, and the a royal decree read by the Ferdinand I of Holy Roman Empire officially recognizing the protestant faith is creatively presented. Accordingly, each German prince is free to choose between the Catholic and Protestant faiths. And the prince’s religion becomes the exclusive faith of his kingdom.