Reformation Books from the Albert A. Howard Book History Collection
| Martin Luther | Charles V | Rhegius |
| Council of Trent | Prayers and Sermons | Other Books from the Reformation |
Introduction and captions by the donor, Albert Howard
It was over fifty years ago that I became interested in the 16th century and books published during that time. It was an appalling century, but in numerous ways, it was a century of great achievement, and in particular, in the books produced during it--the unending stream of editions and translations of the classics, but there was also a major development in the novel, the short story, and the drama. The first series of books written for children appeared in Paris in the 1530s.
The Reformation presents one of the earliest uses of printed materials to mold public opinion across Europe. Publications coming out of the Reformation give a unique insight into the concerns of all classes of people and on the level of literacy of the population of Europe at large. Books were produced aimed at the most exalted and the most humble. Many issues raised and argued were not religious but reflect European politics, especially the clash within the German empire between emperor and nobles.
I enjoy very much the various twists and turns of the Reformation. It can go from the appallingly nasty to the hilarious. But basically, I have the deepest respect for the men and women on both sides who tried to live godly lives during an upheaval.
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Luther, Martin. Contra Henricum Regem Angliae… Basel? : Adam Petri?, 1522.
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Luther’s savage and insulting pamphlet in answer to Henry VIII’s unqualified support of the Papacy in his Book Assertio Septem Sacramentorum adversus Martinum Lutheram in 1521. |
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Henry VIII. Literarum, quibus respondit, ad quondam epistolam Martini Lutheri… London : Pynson, 1527.
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Letters exchanged in 1525 between Henry VIII and Martin Luther. The publisher’s preface refers to Plato’s call for philosopher kings and a poem at the end honors Aeneas, the supposed founder of Britain. |
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Charles V |
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Avila y Zuniga, Luis de. Commentariorum de bello Germanico… Antwerp : J. Steelsius, 1550.
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An important description by one of Charles V's generals of his war against the Protestant league in 1546-1547, when the League was defeated at the battle of Muhlberg. Fine map, views of the batlles of Ingolstadt and Muhlberg; view of city of Wittenberg. |
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Abdrucke der Verwarungs Schrifft der Chur und Fursten, Auch Grauen, Herren, Stedte und Stende… s.l. : s.n., 1546.
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The Protestant nobles state their grievances against Charles V, pointing out that in arming against them he is in violation of the oath he gave when elected Holy Roman Emperor. |
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Bestendige und warhafftige voranwortung auch im Rechten gegrundete widderlegung… s.l. : s.n., 1546.
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Johann Friedrich of Saxony and Philipp Landgraf of Hesse accuse Charles V of conspiring with the Pope to suppress the evangelical religion. |
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Schradin, Johannes. Warhaffte und gegrundte melding… Tubingen : Ulrich Morhart, 1546.
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Political satire against Charles V in the form of a dream by a Protestant preacher. In the dream, the Emperor has become a vassal of Rome and that Germans are released from their obedience to him. A fine woodcut on the title page shows the poet with heroes of the past such as Arminius and Frederick Barbarossa who were defenders of Germany against Rome. |
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Rhegius, Urbanus. Ernstliche erbeitung der Evangelishen Prediger ad den gaystlichen Stand… Augsburg : Philipp Ulhart the elder, 1524.
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In six “points” the reformer Rhegius seeks to demonstrate the “signs” by which the true new evangelical teachings may be discerned. The fine woodcut title border is after Lucas Cranach. |
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Council of Trent |
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Julius III, Pope. Bulla reductionis generalis concill ad civitatem Tridentinam… Rome : Antonio Blado, 1551.
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Pope Julius III announces the second Council of Trent in 1551. |
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Recusationschrifft in welcher alle protestierende Religions und Eynungs verwandte Stende, Rechtmessige … Nuremberg : Joh. Von Berg & U. Neuber, 1546.
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The leaders of the Protestant League announce their intention not to participate in the first Council of Trent. One of their arguments is that the Pope is only the Bishop of Rome and holds no jurisdiction over other Bishops. |
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Sachs, Hans. Ain gesprech von der Scheynwercken der Gaystlichen und iren gelubbdten… Augsburg : Philipp Uhlart, 1524.
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In 1520, Sachs became a follower of Luther and devoted himself to the Reformed faith. In a dialogue with the baker Peter, Hans Sachs discusses votive offerings and the Mass. There is a woodcut of Peter and Sachs on the title page. |
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Strauss, Jakob. Eyn verstendig trostlich Leer uber das Wort Sanct Paulus… Wittenberg : Schirlentz, 1522.
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An evangelical sermon on St. Paul’s text that a person should first examine themselves before partaking of Holy Communion, which is contrary to the Catholic practice of auricular confession. |
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Bodenstein von Karlstadt, Andreas. Predig … von empfahung des heligen Sacraments… Augsburg? : Silvan Otmar?, 1522.
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An important reformer, Bodenstein introduced a shortened Mass in German, with a lay chalice. He later broke with Luther. |
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Prieres ordinaries des soldatz… Orleans : E. Gibier, 1562.
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Bilingual prayers in French and German commissioned by the Prince of Conde for use by the Calvinist and Lutheran troops during the French civil wars. |
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Besselmeier, Sebastian. Historia und beschrybung des Madenburgischen kriegs… Magdeburg : Hans Lor, 1551.
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A news pamphlet detailing the various events during the siege of the Protestant city of Magdeburg by imperial forces in 1551. The city surrendered but retained its religious freedom. This is the only copy in a North American library. |
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Appellation unnd Beruffung der Probst unnd des Augustiner Priors zu Nuremberg. Nuremberg : Friedrich Pepys, 1524.
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An appeal to the Bishop of Bamber justifying the ecclesiastical changes in Nuremberg. Nuremberg was one of the first cities to implement the Reformation by civil decree. |
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Witzel, Georg. Apologia: Das ist ein Vertedigs Rede… Leipzig : Nicolaus Schmidt, 1533.
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Witzel, a Catholic priest who converted to Lutheranism, explains, in response to the attacks of Lutherans against him, his break with Luther and return to the Church of Rome. |
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