Thomas Cranmer: A Life
by Dr. Diarmaid MacCulloch
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Book Summary Information
Author: Dr. Diarmaid MacCullochEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1998-02-17
ISBN: 0300074484
Number of pages: 704
Publisher: Yale University Press
Book Reviews of Thomas Cranmer: A Life
Book Review: A Cranmerian's Must Read
Summary: 5 Stars
Oxford professor Diamaid MacCulloch presents the riveting biography of the Church of England's founder with "Thomas Cranmer: A Life" (1996, 704 page paperback). This classic is well researched (with a 26 pages bibliography and dozens of museum artifacts photos). MacCulloch is the current generation's latest word on the life, ministry, history, and legacy of Henry VIII's greatest Archbishop. All student of Thomas Cranmer will find this book a must read.
MacCulloch goes to some length to present Cranmer's story. Readers discover the Archbishop's pre royal service college and university days. One learns that 1531 was the pivotal year in Thomas' maturing theology. Cranmer's gradual move from Roman Catholicism towards Lutheranism ending in royal rule of the church is carefully analyzed. The reader meets each of Henry's wives, children, courtesans, liaisons and their access into the Archbishop's life. Wolsey, Tyndale, Cromwell, Latimer, Gardiner, Ridley, Fisher, and many more are thoroughly discussed in relation to Cranmer. Each Parliament's actions for the king's will, with the Archbishop's blessing, are presented. MacCulloch intends to answer as many questions as possible about the life of Thomas Cranmer.
Cranmer annulled Henry's marriages, granted royal divorces, assented to queens' beheading, arranged royal marriages, and baptized newborn prince and princesses. He represented the kings at foreign courts, before parliaments, and before the general populace of medieval England. His fertile theological mind worked diligently to separate Christianity in England from the Roman curia. Cranmer wrote tracts, books, and sermons on the subject of royal supremacy of the church. He invented the beloved "Book of Common Prayer" of 1549 and its first revision of 1552. With king Edward VI's blessing Cranmer founded the Church of England. In the end Cranmer found martyrdom on Queen Mary's chopping block.
Cranmer's professional and personal trials and tribulations are reviewed. One learns of his family history, his marriage to Margaret of Nuremberg, his short family legacy (his son and daughter did not carry his family line), and the whereabouts of his vast library after his 1556 death. In deed, MacCulloch ranks (page 618) Cranmer among history's reluctant martyrs: theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Archbishops Luwum and Romero (this list should also include Becket, Joan of Arch, and Tyndale).
MacCulloch's analysis is punctual and thorough. Even though the length of this book may require some commitment for many readers, it is well worth the effort. MacCulloch writing style is inviting and absorbing. One comes to know Cranmer better, almost personally. "Thomas Cranmer" is recommended to everyone with an interest in the C of E, Cranmer, Henry VIII, the pre Elizabethan Tudor era, and English history.
Happy Aldersgate Day!
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