Fatal Discord
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Fatal Discord
Fatal Discord
Fatal Discord by Michael Massing is a captivating exploration into the intricate and intellectual rivalry between two towering figures of European history, Desiderius Erasmus and Martin Luther. This profound dual biography not only traverses through their personal lives but also delves deeply into their monumental impact on the course of Western thought. Set against the backdrop of a continent on the brink of seismic cultural and religious changes, Erasmus and Luther emerge as both allies and adversaries in a drama that forever alters the philosophical and religious landscape of Europe.
In this brilliantly constructed narrative, Massing brings to light the contrasting visions of Erasmus, the luminary of the Northern Renaissance, and Luther, the revolutionary monk from Wittenberg. Erasmus, renowned for his scholarly works and humanistic ideals, sought to enlighten the Church and its adherents through reform from within. His publication of a revised New Testament in 1516 signified a clarion call for enlightenment and rejuvenation in a world still dominated by ecclesiastical dogma. In contrast, Martin Luther’s dissent against the Catholic Church crystallised into a broader call for drastic change, sparking the Reformation that sought to redefine Christianity.
Through meticulous research and compelling prose, Fatal Discord restores Erasmus’s rightful place within the annals of history, arguing that his philosophical legacy and the divergence from Luther's became a defining moment for Western civilisation. By juxtaposing Erasmus’s vision of Christian humanism with Luther's evangelical fervour, Massing illustrates a pivotal turning point where two powerful ideological streams emerged, each leaving an indelible impact on European society.
Drawing from an array of historical sources and offering a rich narrative filled with nuanced details, Massing presents a vivid portrayal of a continent under intellectual upheaval. His analysis reveals the far-reaching consequences of the doctrinal tensions between Erasmus and Luther, which ignited sociocultural transformations resonating well beyond their era. The reflections on how Europe gravitated towards Erasmian humanism, while America leaned into Luther's ideals of individualism, provide a thought-provoking conclusion on the divergent paths these ideas catalysed.
This work is not just a biography; it is a complex and engaging examination of a critical juncture in religious and intellectual history. Michael Massing's Fatal Discord is essential reading for anyone interested in the profound historical forces that shaped modern ideas of faith, humanity, and reform. Engrossing and enlightening, it is a masterwork that will appeal to scholars and general readers alike, offering a renewed understanding of two of history’s most significant figures and their lasting impact on the world.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Fatal Discord by Michael Massing has received glowing reviews for its in-depth exploration of the intense rivalry between Erasmus and Luther. Critics praise Massing's ability to blend biographical detail with a broader context, capturing the socio-political landscape of the time. The narrative is described as engaging and thought-provoking, showcasing Massing's journalistic prowess and making the complex historical and theological issues accessible to general readers.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780063143432
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 22 March 2022
Country: United States
Imprint: Collins
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 46.0mm
Width: 150.0mm
Height: 226.0mm
Weight: 930g
Pages: 1008
About the Author
Michael Massing is a former executive editor of the Columbia Journalism Review and a frequent contributor to The New York Review of Books. His work has also appeared in the New York Times, the Nation, the Atlantic, and the Los Angeles Times. He is the author of The Fix, a critical study of the U.S. war on drugs, and Now They Tell Us: The American Press and Iraq. He is a co-founder of the Committee to Protect Journalists and sits on its board. He received a bachelor's degree from Harvard College and a master's degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. In 1992, he was named a MacArthur Fellow, and in 2010-2011 he was fellow at the Leon Levy Center for Biography at CUNY. A native of Baltimore, he lives in New York City.
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