Karl Barth: His Life from Letters and Autobiographical Texts

Karl Barth is an unparalleled accomplishment. An authentic church father of the Post-Reformation era the Basel professors contributions to theology the life of the church and the world of culture and politics have been frequently noted. This work however presents extraordinary new information and insight based on his own correspondence and notes. What one finds in this work is Barths own running commentary on events and people - from 1886 to 1968. Everything is depicted from his perspective and chiefly in his own words and this is precisely what makes the volume so fascinating and valuable. The brilliance wit and humanity of Barth shine through everywhere as he is seen as son brother student editor friend pastor husband father soldier teacher theologian church leader political critic polemicist ecumenist author preacher music lover senior citizen. The gigantic theologian is here but - even more - the man shines through. An abundance of pictures accompanies the text - most of them to be seen for the first time. The contents of this book are new and of utmost interest and importance. Readers not familiar with the accomplishment of Karl Barth will learn to know both the man and his thought. Specialists will for the first time discern the figure behind the intellect. All who propose to understand the story of the twentieth century will be illumined by this book. Eberhard Busch is professor of systematic theology at the University of Goettingen in Germany.