Erasmus of Christendom (Hendrickson Classic Biographies)

Born the illegitimate son of a priest, Erasmus grew to become one of the most influential figures of the Reformation. Bainton's multifaceted portrait chronicles Erasmus's rise from poverty and his emergence as a powerful yet moderate voice for change as he corresponded with Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Henry VIII, Thomas More, Pope Leo X, and others. 450 pages, hardcover from Hendrickson.