[Albert Schweitzer. His years in Alsace (18751913)] For the first time, relying on previously unused documents (sermons and lectures) and indeed previously unpublished sources (letters) in German and French, Matthieu Arnold gives a deep and detailed account of the life - mainly spent in Alsace - of Albert Schweitzer before his departure for Africa (1875-1913): his childhood in Günsbach, his education in music, philosophy and theology, his promising beginnings in the University of Strasbourg and his courageous sermons against nationalism and colonialism. This work examines in detail his decision to leave for Africa: the agonised series of events which led him to make this choice, the unreserved support given by Helene Bresslau, his lengthy medical studies, and his tortuous negotiations with the Société des Missions in Paris, all in the context of Franco-German tensions.

Matthieu Arnold, Professor Dr., Jahrgang 1965, studierte Theologie in Straßburg und Mainz. Er war von 1994 bis 1997 Pfarrer in der lutherischen Kirche im Elsass. Seit 1997 ist er Professor für Geschichte des Christentums an der Universität Straßburg (Evangelisch-Theologische Fakultät). Er ist Mitglied der "Association française des amis d'Albert Schweitzer" und Honorarmitglied des Institut Universitaire de France. Außerdem erhielt er den Preis Straßburg (A. Toepfer-Stiftung) und den Preis der Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres für seine Werke über Martin Luther.