In the Shadow of "Savage Wolves": Anabaptist Munster and the German Reformation During the 1530's (Studies in Central European Histories)

This book examines the multifaceted reactions of political and religious leaders to the Anabaptist reign in Munster (1534-1535). It takes as its point of departure Protestant Strasbourg, Catholic Cologne, as well as the Rhineland, and then broadens the perspective to imperial estates and the empire. The author analyzes the representations of the Munsterites and juxtaposes the fierce language with the actions that were taken to eliminate the Anabaptist menace at home and in Munster. The book is particularly important for scholars of Catholic Reform, of the empire and of confessionalization, of Cologne and Strasbourg, and of Anabaptism. Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents List of Illustrations Preface 1. “Münster”: History and Historians 2. “Münster” and the Public Fear 3. Responses in Cologne The Rhenish Metropolis The Council’s Encounter with Heresy at Home The Religious Leaders’ Fight for Orthodoxy 4. Responses in the Rhineland The Rhenish Princes Fighting Anabaptism at Home The Reform of Abuses 5. Responses in Strasbourg The Mecca of the Persecuted The Ministers’ Initiative The Magistrates’ Response 6. Responses in the Empire: Particular Interests and Political Collaboration Players and Context The Imperial Cities and “Münster” The Imperial Princes and “Münster” The Empire and “Münster” 7. “Münster”: Impact and Insights List of Abbreviations Bibliography Maps Index

This book examines the multifaceted reactions of political and religious leaders to the Anabaptist reign in Münster (1534-1535). It takes as its point of departure Protestant Strasbourg, Catholic Cologne, as well as the Rhineland, and then broadens the perspective to imperial estates and the empire. The author analyzes the representations of the Münsterites and juxtaposes the fierce language with the actions that were taken to eliminate the Anabaptist menace at home and in Münster.
The book is particularly important for scholars of Catholic Reform, of the empire and of confessionalization, of Cologne and Strasbourg, and of Anabaptism.