By Fire
The Jakob Hutter Story
by Jason Landsel
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Pub Date Jan 21 2025 | Archive Date Jan 21 2025
Plough Publishing | Plough Publishing House
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Description
A graphic novel dramatizes a true story of a corrupt ruler, a courageous resister, a daring alpine escape, a refugee love story, a reckless return, a jealous traitor, and a martyr burned alive at the stake.
King Ferdinand, who will later become Holy Roman Emperor, orders the eradication of all heretics in Tyrol, and especially their leader, Jakob Hutter. Like other Anabaptists, Hutter has rejected armed revolt and embraced nonviolence. What if instead of overthrowing oppressive rulers, he asks, we create a peaceful and just alternative society ourselves?
Driven into hiding and eventually forced to flee through the mountains into Moravia, Hutter realizes his dream and finds love. But persecution follows him. Despite death warrants, he and his pregnant wife, Katharina, return to Tyrol to support the underground movement there. They are betrayed by a friend turned informant and captured along with their baby. Jakob is burned at the stake in the town square of Innsbruck. Katharina escapes but soon meets a similar fate.
Their story comes to life in this graphic novel, the second in a series that dramatically recreates a little-known chapter in the history of the Reformation. These radicals, labeled Anabaptists by their enemies, were ready to die for their vision. They were executed by thousands – by water, by fire, and by sword – in both Catholic and Protestant lands. This action-packed account of young people daring to standing up for their convictions will appeal to today’s nonconformists.
A Note From the Publisher
For more information or for a physical galley, please email publicist@plough.com
For more information or for a physical galley, please email publicist@plough.com
For more information or for a physical galley, please email publicist@plough.com
Advance Praise
By Fire is an inspiring graphic biography about a man who tried to change a religious status quo despite the cost to himself. —Foreword Reviews
By Fire is recommended for high school ages and up, having potential to hold attention with a true story of decadent corruption, fugitive romance, jealousy and fiery martyrdom. —Anabaptist World
Powerful. Haunting. Beautifully illustrated. Well researched and engaging. I love the power of graphic novels like this to make history real and all too human. —Tim Smyth, author of Eisner nominated Teaching with Comics and Graphic Novels
Praise for By Water, the first graphic novel in the Heroes of the Radical Reformation series:
Tense, compelling, and informative … in an exciting narrative style that delivers information as a seamless part of the action. … A remarkable graphic novel. —Foreword Reviews
A lesser-known chapter in the history of Protestantism, the story of Felix Manz is an absorbing journey of enlightenment, rebellion, and sacrifice. … The art by Banerjee is gorgeous; evocative of illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, and the mosaics that make up the medieval art of the age. —School Library Journal
An ambitious biography – in graphic-novel style – of an early Anabaptist martyr. Intriguing watercolors – evocative of both Hieronymus Bosch and 1970s pop art – precede the opening pages. … The chapters that follow use accessible language and abundant visual cues in softly colored, action-packed art. Other historical figures come into play as Manz journeys from eager university student to zealous reformer to renegade leading an intentional Christian pacifist community. Under penalty of death, Manz refuses to stop performing adult baptisms – considered heretical – and he utters some of Jesus’ final words as he dies.—Kirkus Reviews
By Water is a book driven by its art. From manuscript illuminations to woodcuts and portraiture, many of the images and scenes are drawn from real pieces from the 16th century. ...I found By Water to be a delight. —Christian Century
Landsel and his team breathe new life into a high-stakes tale that can come across as dusty and distant if left to the realm of history books. The tone and word choices are appropriate for most teens – and most adults – though they carry an edge that makes sense for a story of life and death. —Anabaptist World
Marketing Plan
- National publicity campaign
- Exclusive excerpts and interviews with national media
- Giveaways and promotions on NetGalley, Edelweiss, GoodReads, LibraryThing, and others
- Significant social media campaign
- Special outreach to Library and Education markets
- Feature in Plough Quarterly magazine, circulation 16,000
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781636081434 |
| PRICE | $19.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 168 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 12 members
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