This introduction presents Martin Luther as historians now see him Instead of singling him out as a modern hero the book emphasizes the context in which Luther worked the colleagues who supported him & the opponents who adamantly opposed his agenda for change Scott H Hendrix explains the religious reformation & Luther&s importance without ignoring the political & cultural forces that led the reformation down paths Luther could neither foresee nor influence This Very Short Introduction pays tribute to Luther&s genius but also recognizes the self-righteous attitude that alienated contemporaries offering a unique explanation for that behaviour ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable