Melanchthon : The Quiet Reformer

Philip Melanchthon was one of the most creative and effective thinkers of the Reformation, commonly ranked second only to Luther and Calvin by most historians. His contribution, however, was lost sight of in the controversy which plagued Lutheranism after Luther's death. He has often been treated as a replica of Luther, or as a mouthpiece for him; he was neither. In this landmark biography, Manschreck has explored the reformer's true stature and has demonstrated the enduring qualities of his contribution. "To understand Melanchthon and to access his significance," wrote Manschreck, "one must recognize the two historical movements which combined in him and which have never been reconciled in Protestantism -- the Renaissance and the Reformation....He cannot be explained in terms of either, for he transcends both. This is his greatness. This is his tragedy." As Melanchthon was the official representative of Protestantism at almost every colloquy in Germany from 1529 to 1560, influencing the very foundations of theology for all major Protestant denominations, we are indebted to Manschreck's effort to restore this reformer to his proper place in the historical record.