This biography of Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm (C.F.W.) Walther, the first president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, presents the story of a man whose influence profoundly affected Lutherans in America and Europe.

Walther was a seminary professor and administrator, essayist, lecturer, and organizer of American Lutheranism, as well as a devoted scholar of Luther's writings. In addition, Walther had mastered the Lutheran Confessions as well as, or perhaps better than, anyone in 19th-century America. He initiated publication opportunities for the wider distribution of Luther's works and for that reason frequently was referred to as "the Luther of America."

Suelflow offers a sympathetic, yet complete, portrait of Walther's life, career, writings, family, and death.