Frederick the Wise. Seen and Unseen Lives of Martin Luther’s Protector by Sam Wellman (review)

This book is suitable for college students, graduate students, and scholars. But because it reads like a novel, putting the reader in the shoes of Frederick the Wise (1463–1525) as he faced great problems and made difficult decisions, it will also be of interest to the general public. It is organized chronologically, allowing the author to clearly explain the changing contexts Frederick faced. A useful chronology and an index are provided.

The reader encounters the young prince who faced threats from unfriendly neighboring states, including that of his uncle, the Duke of Albertine Saxony. One of Frederick’s strategies to increase the Electorate’s influence was the construction of impressive chapels, churches, castles, hunting lodges, and a bridge over the Elbe. Frederick strategized to gain influence as a leader in the politics of the empire. Wellman provides a wealth of information concerning Frederick’s role in serving the Emperor Maximilian. As a result, Frederick became a very powerful and influential leader of the German princes and towns in their struggle to maintain their princely liberties against the centralizing ambitions of Emperor Maximilian. Frederick was the champion of this cause at the Diet of Worms in 1495. He remained a powerful figure against the ambitions of Emperor Charles V at the famous Diet of Worms in 1521.

Similarly, the reader senses the difficulty Frederick must have had dealing with Luther. Frederick seems to have agreed with Luther’s stand on the Bible as the supreme religious authority. The Reformer put his important creation, the University of Wittenberg, on the map. Still, Luther’s attack on indulgences and on the use of relics led to the end of Frederick’s famous collection of relics, a source of revenue for the university. Hence, the author presents a very human dilemma.

Like a good novel, this biography also provides a clear understanding of the setting in which Frederick lived. It describes the people, the land of Saxony and its towns, what they looked like and the nature of its agriculture. A section dedicated to life at the court details everything from food and dress to entertainment and hunting lodges. The book also contains much about the politics of the Holy Roman Empire and Frederick’s relationship with the Emperor Maximilian as well as extensive information about Germany, its people, institutions, and the great changes met and endured by its inhabitants during Frederick’s lifetime.

The reader finds that Frederick was a man of deep religious commitment. This book provides a tremendous amount of information on the state of religion and the late-medieval church during his time. This includes material on Frederick’s support for reform of monasteries and the amazing collection of relics he fostered. Increasing numbers of pilgrims came to receive indulgences for viewing them. But the protection of Luther and, apparently, Frederick’s gradual acceptance of Luther’s teachings conflicted with the continuance of the collection.

The relationship of Frederick to Renaissance humanism receives less attention. Fairly well educated, he could understand Latin, but he employed the humanist-trained George Spalatin as his personal secretary. Spalatin provided meticulous translations of important matters. Frederick established the University of Wittenberg, where humanism blossomed. Wellman shows that Frederick favored the humanist approach to religion and education. Moreover he sought the advice of great humanists such as Mutian and Erasmus of Rotterdam.