Online
Highlights
of the
Valerie
R. Hotchkiss
Reformation Collection
at
Bridwell Library
Philipp Melanchthon (1497-1560), editor.
Confessio Fidei Exhibita Invictiss. Imp. Carolo V. Caesari Aug. in Comicijs Augustae. Anno M.D.XXX. Addita est Apologia Co[n]fessionis. Beide/Deudsch und Latinisch.
[Bound with:]
Confessio odder Bekantnus des Glaubens etlicher Fürsten und Stedte: Uber antwort Keiserlicher Maiestat: zu Augspurg. Anno M.D.XXX. Apologia der Confessio [aus dem Latin verdeudschet durch Justum Jonam Wittemberg.]
Wittenberg: Georg Rhau, 1531.
This remarkable volume, purchased in 2007, combines the first editions of both the Latin and German texts of the “Augsburg Confession.” These are the authorized texts edited by Philipp Melanchthon and heartily approved by Martin Luther, who admired his compatriot’s skill at “treading lightly” over controversial matters. Also included are Melanchthon’s Latin Apologia and a German translation by Justus Jonas (1493-1555). Copies of the two versions of the “Augsburg Confession” generally circulated separately and are rarely found together. Bridwell Library’s copies are preserved together in their original blind-tooled pigskin binding; a contemporary owner has added extensive marginal notes.
The “Augsburg Confession” was intended to present a single, unified creed for the German Protestants. Although several inaccurate versions were presented at the Diet of Augsburg in 1530, it is these first authorized editions that are remembered today. Along with the Loci communes (see below), the “Augsburg Confession” ranks among Melanchthon’s greatest achievements as a theologian, and it remains the standard Lutheran statement of faith.
The
images are linked to enlargements.
Catechismus pia et utili explicatione illustratis.
[Wittenberg:
s.n.], 1554.
This important Lutheran catechism was first published in 1551. The present copy is particularly interesting in that it preserves an early user’s annotations in red calligraphy, as well as its sixteenth-century German blind-stamped pigskin binding with original clasps. Moreover, the annotator of this copy must have been someone of significance, as the book was specially printed on yellow-dyed paper still emitting a spicy scent suggesting turmeric. By 1617 the book was owned by the Jesuit College at Bamberg.
The woodcut of a preaching reformer on the title page serves as the icon for the Valerie R. Hotchkiss Reformation Collection.
Images are linked to enlargements.
Johannes Cogelerus (1525–1605).
Imagines elegantissimae: quae multum lucis ad intelligendos doctrinae
Christianae locos adferre possunt, Collectae, partim ex praelectionibus
Domini Philippi Melanthonis, partim ex scriptis Patrum a Iohanne Cogelero,
Verbi diuini ministro Stetini cum praefatione D. Georgij Maioris.
Wittenberg: [s.n.], 1558.
The special interest of this book lies in its 24 woodcut illustrations that
explicate Lutheran doctrines through allegorical and biblical scenes, as
well as representations from contemporary life. The woodcuts are attributed
to Jacob Lucius of Kronstadt, who was strongly influenced by Lukas Cranach
the Younger. The text is based primarily on works by Melanchthon and the
Church Fathers.
The woodcut illustrating
“De
Sacramentis” depicts Lutheran communion, with
the celebrants dispensing the bread and wine to the congregation. Behind the
altar table is a partial view of a large painted triptych depicting the
Crucifixion in the center panel with saints Paul (with his sword) and Peter
(with his keys) in the wings, while the predella depicts the Last Supper.
Images are linked to enlargements.
Desyderii Erasmi ad reuerendissimum Moguntinensium Praesulem, atq[ue] illustrissimum principem, Epistola: nonnihil D. Martini Lutheri negotiu[m] attingens.
[Wittenberg: Melchior Lotter the Younger, 1520].
In this important letter of November 1519 to Albrecht II von Brandenberg, Archbishop of Mainz, the humanist-theologian Erasmus reveals that he was already quite familiar with Luther’s writings and activities. He expresses general agreement with Luther’s observations about church corruption, admits an attraction to his writings, and defends him against charges of heresy. He does not commit to Luther’s cause unconditionally, but advises the Archbishop to accept what is germane and valuable from the Lutheran criticisms of the church.
Image linked to enlargement.
Predig Andresen Boden. von Carolstatt Zu Wittenberg Von Emphahung des Heiligen Sacraments.
Wittenberg: [Nickell Schirlentz, 1522].
This is the first edition of the sermon that Karlstadt preached at Wittenberg during the first public evangelical mass on Christmas Day, 1521. Emphasizing the doctrine of ‘sola fides,’ Karlstadt officiated an abbreviated Latin mass in layman’s clothing, spoke the words of institution in German for the first time, did not elevate the host, and offered the Eucharist and the cup directly to his astonished communicants.
Eyn Sermon von den Hochwirdigen Sacrament, des Heyligen waren Leychnamsz Christi.
[Leipzig, Valentin Schumann, 1520].
Luther’s trilogy of sermons on the sacraments concluded in 1519 with his first extended statement on the Lord’s Supper. In it he proposed that the laity should receive both the bread and the wine at Communion. Although Luther did not yet refute the doctrine of transubstantiation, the sermon was promptly attacked. The woodcut on the title page shows the Seven Sacraments, with the Savior above the chalice at the center.
Image linked to enlargement.
Loci Praecipui Theologici, Nunc Postremo summa diligentia recognitti, & aucti, per Philippum Melanthonem.
Basel: Johannes Oporinus, January 1555.
Melanchthon’s Loci communes was a supremely influential work of evangelical doctrine that used Paul’s Epistle to the Romans to elucidate questions of sin and grace, law and gospel, justification, and regeneration. It was first published in 1521, when Melanchthon was heading the Reformation movement during Luther’s confinement in the Wartburg. The author continued to revise the Loci throughout his life, and the aging Luther reserved his highest praise for the later editions. This handsome copy, from an edition by the printer-scholar Oporinus, retains its original sixteenth-century binding.
Oration an Keiserliche Maiestat: Von dem, das der ietzige Religions handel, kein menschlich, sonder Gottes werck vnd wunderthat sei: Item, das der Eide damit jyre Maiestat dem Bapst verwandt, tyrannisch vnd gar nit zuo halten sey. Durch Baptistam Lasdenum.
[Strasbourg: Johannes Knobloch, for Georgen Messerschmid, 1544].
[bound with:]
Bucer, Martin (1491–1551).
Wie leicht unnd füglich Christliche vergleichung der Religion, und des gantzen kirchendiensts Reformation, bey unß Teutschen zu finden und in das werck zu bringen.
[Strasbourg: Kraft Müller], 1545.
[bound with:]
Bucer, Martin (1491–1551).
Ein Christliche Erinnerung, an die Keis. und Kön. Maiestaten, sampt Churfürsten, Fürsten und Stende des H. Reichs Teütscher Nation, jetzund zu Wurms versamlet.
[Strasbourg: Kraft Müller], 1545.
[bound with:]
Luther, Martin (1483–1546).
Wider das Bapstum zu Rom vom Teuffel gestifft.
Wittenberg: Hans Lufft, 1545.
Surviving together within the “Sammelband” into which they were bound for their original owner, these four texts relate to the Council of Trent and the Diet of Worms, 1544-1545. The volume is comprised of works by Martin Luther, Martin Bucer, the leader of the South German Reformation movement, and Bucer’s protégé Johann Sleidanus, later the principal historian of the Reformation. The Luther tract begins with a full-page polemical woodcut of the pope, with the ears of an ass, sitting in the jaws of Hell surrounded by devils.
Images linked to enlargements.
Ein predig von der Ewigreinen magt Maria der mutter Jesu Christi unsers erlösers Zürich gethon: vonn Huldrychen Zwingli i[n de]m MDXXII. jar.
Zürich: Christoph Froschauer, 1522.
Published in the year of Zwingli’s break from the Roman Church, this is the first edition of a little-known sermon in which the leader of the Swiss Reformation defended the perpetual virginity of the Virgin Mary. The sermon is the earliest publication by Zwingli held by Bridwell Library.
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