The Man Who Laid the Eggby Louise A. Vernon |
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"This book brings us an interesting account of a great man who lived in Germany during the Reformation. It is written for juveniles, made very readable by placing a boy on the scene with this historical character, and involving him in the plot. There are adventures and narrow escapes. What better way to acquaint children with great figures in church and world history?" --Church and Synagogue Libraries
"Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched" is what the people said. And that made young Gerard Koestler smile. He knew that Erasmus had influenced Luther's thinking. He also believed both men were trying to serve God according to the Scriptures.
Young Gerhard Koestler lived in Germany in the 1500s. He inherited money and a castle when his rich parents died. His Uncle Frederic tried to talk Gerhard into becoming a monk so Frederic could claim the inheritance for his own.
But Gerhard had other ideas. After a series of adventures and narrow escapes, Gerhard arrived in Basel, Switzerland. To his delight he was able to live in the same house as Erasmus. Although Erasmus' enemies accused him of agreeing with Martin Luther, Erasmus said that the Bible was his guide.
In the end, Gerhard returned to his castle. Not sure whether he wanted to be known as a Catholic or a Lutheran, Gerhard said, "Call me a Christian." No other name was necessary.
About the Author
In her series of religious-heritage juveniles, Louise A. Vernon re-creates for children events and figures from church history in Reformation times. She has traveled in England and Germany, researching firsthand the settings for her fictionalized real-life stories.
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