The Honeycomb Scroll: Philipp Melanchthon at the Dawn of the Reformation

by Gregory B. Graybill

Long overshadowed by Luther and Calvin, Philipp Melanchthon (14971560) is one of the most important figures in the Protestant Reformation and had profound effect on Western church history. This book gives the most detailed English-language biographical treatment of Melanchthon to date, moving from his historical context and personal origins, through his childhood, education, and early career at Wittenberg during the dramatic events at the dawn of the Reformation (14971524). Establishing the deep geopolitical and religious context of Melanchthons early life, the volume then follows Melanchthon to the great halls of humanist learning at Heidelberg and Tbingen, where his studies and teaching career began and his faith was richly fostered. The pivotal moment comes in his appointment to the chair of Greek in Wittenberg where Melanchthon became a great ally and supporter of Martin Luther. Melanchthons role as key player in the advocacy for reform expanded through his involvement in the Leipzig Disputation, his visible representation of the evangelical cause in Wittenberg during Luthers absence at Worms and the Wartburg, and his struggle with the radical wing. The volume closes by looking ahead to Melanchthons contribution to the Augsburg Confession of 1530.

370 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good. While there are many biographies of Luther, there are much less so for Melancthon. With the 500 year anniversary swiftly approaching, this fills a void for a solid biography on a key Reformational figure.

The only downside was the book ending abruptly with Melancthon's visit to his home town in 1521. The narrative pace, prior to the afterword, was quite slow--filling in all sorts of details about Melancthon's life and training. Then, every major event after 1521 gets a paragraph. I guess subtitle of the text captures why though: "Melancthon at the Dawn of the Reformation." Oh well. I would've loved more on the latter aspects of life, not least the controversy between the Philippists and the Gnesio-Lutherans.