Peasant Fires

<p> . . . lively and intellectually stimulating . . . --Speculum<br /><br />Wunderli . . . has lucidly reconstructed a controversial conflict in 15th-century south-central Germany. . . . this engaging narrative takes off from Hans Behem--the peasant who claimed to see the Virgin and gained followers until crushed by the established church--to explore larger forces at work in Germany on the eve of the Reformation. . . Wunderli also attempts to sort out the violent conflict that ensued and Hans's subsequent trial. His scrupulousness and sensitivity make for a small but valuable book. --Publishers Weekly<br /><br />Fascinating and well written this is highly recommended for academic and larger public libraries. --Library Journal<br /><br />Richard Wunderli . . . deftly tells the story in <i>Peasant Fires</i> finding in it a foreshadowing of peasant uprisings in the 16th century. --New York Times Book Review<br /><br /> . . . a stimulating read . . . an engaging synthesis. --Central European History<br /><br />In 1476 an illiterate German street musician had a vision of the Virgin Mary and began to preach a radical social message that attracted thousands of followers--and antagonized the church. The drummer was burned at the stake. This swiftly moving narrative of his rise and fall paints a vivid portrait of 15th-century German society as it raises important questions about the craft of history.<br /><br />A gem of a book. . . . It has a plot good guys and bad buys it opens up a 'strange' world and it is exceptionally well written. --Thomas W. Robisheaux</p>