the book sets the stage by explaining that it is not a fictional narrative but a biographical collection that allows Luther to speak for himself through his writings and correspondence. Michelet, as the translator and editor, organizes Luther's accounts to reveal the complexities of his journey—from his modest beginnings as the son of a miner to his tumultuous experiences as a monk and reformer. The text describes Luther's struggles with his faith, including his intense spiritual dilemmas and temptations as he grapples with the prevailing doctrines of his time. His journey is marked by a profound desire to understand the nature of faith and grace, setting the groundwork for his later challenges to papal authority and the Catholic Church's teachings. (This is an automatically generated summary.)