Here I Walk: A Thousand Miles on Foot to Rome with Martin Luther

by Andrew L. Wilson, Sarah Hinlicky Wilson (Afterword)

A Thousand-Mile Pilgrimage with Martin Luther
In 2010, Andrew Wilson and his wife, Sarah, walked in the footsteps of Martin Luther, re-creating his famous pre-Reformation pilgrimage from Erfurt to Rome. Their trek was well publicized, with coverage in the "Christian Century," "First Things," the "Wall Street Journal," and "Books & Culture." As they walked their journey of a thousand miles over seventy days, thousands of readers followed along on the Wilsons' blog.
This engaging narrative brings readers along as Andrew and Sarah traverse Europe, visiting highlights such as Coburg Castle, Ulm's MUnster, the Alps, Milan, Florence, and Rome. Their journey provides a unique window into the history of the Protestant Reformation and a creative entryway into the life of Luther. The book also reflects on the contemporary ecumenical significance of the events of the Reformation, exploring what the changes of the past 500 years mean for the Christian present and future.
Beautifully written and enjoyable to read, "Here I Walk" offers a unique combination of firsthand travel narrative, fascinating explorations in history, and theological and spiritual reflection. Pictures, maps, and an afterword by Sarah Hinlicky Wilson are included.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2016

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an honorary Lutheran (work for a Lutheran institution) I have always felt a little under-educated about the man and what he means. Dr. Wilson, using his personal journey, really took me into Luther's world in way that was far more engaging than reading a critical biography. In these times I'm trying to remind myself that Christians can be thoughtful and loving, and that the Evangelical Right does not represent the history or future of what can be a mindful and progressive faith. Reading this book fortified me and nourished me in a way that I really needed right now.

[Verena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here I Walk: A Thousand Miles On Foot To Rome with Martin Luther by Andrew L. Wilson intrigued me after hearing the author talk about the pilgrimage he and his wife, Sarah, took in 2010. They started out from Erfurt, Germany, only to find out later that Luther left on his journey from Wittenberg. They thought they would commemorate this event exactly 500 years later, but more recent research showed they were off by a year. They hoped to follow in his footsteps, or at least walk some of the same route. This happened occasionally, and I was surprised they could walk through forests and fields on trails that have been preserved for pilgrims throughout the centuries. But the super highways and urban sprawl posed difficult and sometimes dangerous decisions. And of course there were the challenges of rain and snow that came with seasonal change.

On the positive side, they met and were helped by caring and colorful people all along the way. They saw remnants of antiquity in churches and monasteries that have been built and rebuilt to fit the aesthetic of the time. They saw harvests of grains and grapes that have continued to sustain the populace through centuries of farming. The author's daily observations and musings invited the reader to join the experience of the long walk.

"From the Other Pair of Feet" was Sarah Hinlicky Wilson's contribution at the end of the book. In a personal and refreshing style she shared her reflections of the trip. She also summarized the depth of the book's content with the following sentence: "In these pages Andrew has offered to you the spiritual, theological, historical, and ecumenical significance of Luther en route to Rome, the ensuing split, and the recent efforts at repair."

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since this is the 500 anniversary of the Reformation, I thought this would be a good read. The author and his wife walked the Luther's "way" - Via Franigena to Rome. I know some people who have walked the Camino, obviously more popular than the Via Franigena. And, from the book, one learns that the way to Rome consisted of walking along busy highways - not safe at all. In some ways, I read this book as a travel guide/essay - what churches/sites to visit some day in Germany/Italy. I am able to visit Italy (realising I have not visited Germany since 1978!) often (just spent 6 weeks in Rome), so I'm very interested in Wilson's observations in Italian sites - who knew that there is a Piazza named after Luther in Rome - Piazza Martin Lutero (I think my Catholic priests/friends have been hiding this from me!). So I have to get back to Rome. Wilson had some interesting insights about the need for saints and one's everyday tasks/life - the connection. Need to re-read. And, I really do need a biography on Luther. Andrew Wilson and his wife (she Sarah - she writes one chapter - From the Other Pair of Feet) are blessed/fortunate to have his father and mother and the Wilson's son travel via caravan with them. So, they are able to meet up with them during parts of the trip. We do read the craziness of living in a caravan too. I believe that Andrew wrote a blog during his journey. The book read more like a blog than an essay. Still I learned more about Luther than I knew before.

[Tim Franks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyable reading about the tough road they faced walking these 1,000 miles in the footsteps of Martin Luther. They visited and saw many sites I hope I can visit someday in both Germany and Italy. The lower rating comes from the unending commentary on several different topics. This often took away from the enchanted parts of the walk down history lane. Too much apologizing for being American and Protestant.

[Terri Floccare · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started out liking this book. I've always been intrigued by Camino pilgrims and was interested in reading about Luther's walk to Rome. As I read more, I found the authors to be unrealistic and judgemental. By the end of the book I distinctly disliked the book.

[Nick Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly up my alley: literal pilgrimage, deep theological reflection, fascinating history, and beautifully written. It made me jealous of this great idea and opportunity of traveling in Martin Luther's footsteps to Rome in 1511. The weaknesses are merely that sometimes the journey becomes too slow, the reflections too drawn out. I'd recommend this to a wide Christian audience, and give it the highest recommendation to people interested in Martin Luther, medieval Europe, or the Reformation.

[Rory Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://wordsaboutgod.net/2017/02/16/...

[Anthony Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book was on the verge of being much better. Never got over the hump for me. I thought the idea itself was fascinating. The narrative never grabbed me. I'm glad I read it though.