Book excerpt: "Of the Roman Catholic scholars of the Reformation who have contributed to our understanding of Martin Luther and his theology, Jared Wicks is among the very best. In this reprinted collection of essays a new generation of readers will glean fresh insights into the Wittenberg reformer, as Wicks places Luther within his proper late-medieval theological context and carefully teases out his unique contributions to understanding the church and justification (conversion). At the same time, Wicks situates Luther's theology within present conversations between Lutherans and Roman Catholics and proves again and again the important role that good, fair-minded historiography plays in aiding such dialogue. This collection will treat readers to, among other things, in-depth investigations of Luther's early theology of justification, of the connection between the sacraments and faith, and of the pastoral consequences for the simul iustus et peccator--all written in a winsome prose with careful attention to the original sources. It is a helpful addition to the library of anyone interested in understanding the now 500-year-old movement of reform within the church catholic and its implications for today." Timothy Wengert Emeritus, United Theological Seminary Philadelphia United Lutheran Seminary