Frederick the Wise: Seen and Unseen Lives of Martin Luther's Protector

Sam Wellman's 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, professor at Dominican University. "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, this book explores questions such as: Why did Frederick decline after being elected emperor of the Holy Roman Empire? How and why did he protect Martin Luther? In what ways did Frederick advance the work of humanists such as Celtis and the careers of artists such as Dürer and Cranach? How did he deal with the emperors, popes, and kings of his time? Why was his wife-but not his children-kept 'secret'? Book jacket.