The Protestant Reformation was one of the single greatest events in the history of Western Civilization. Led by Martin Luther, this protestation against the Catholic Church altered all of Western history. Here in Episode 42, we take a closer look at this exceptional, though conflicted man, as well as other early protestant reformers like Ulrich Zwingli and the formidable John Calvin, who together rocked the very foundation of western Europe and even led to the founding of America itself.

Books:

• Young Man Luther: A Study in Psychoanalysis and History by Erik Ericson
• Europe: From the Renaissance to Waterloo by Robert Ergang
• The Penguin Dictionary of English and European History, 1485-1789 by E.N. Williams
• The Reformation Crisis Edited by Joel Hurstfield

Film:

• Martin Luther (2003) PBS Documentary