Correcting much of the received tradition, Ian Siggins has undertaken original research that leads to a new understanding of the formative role that Martin Luther's mother played in his verbal, spiritual, and psychological development. Siggins begins with a discussion of the traditional portrait of Hanna Luder, including a review and the resolution of the debate about Hanna's maiden name. Next, he looks at a much less technical and more colorful controversy involving Luther's mother. He describes the social background and achievements of Hanna's family, and relates details of young Martin's contact with that family during his impressionable adolescent years. Siggins pays special attention to the preaching that Luther heard in the circle of his maternal relatives. Finally, he examines Luther's mature writings for traces of his mother's influence.
