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A woodcut depicting the bronze laver for priestly washing (top), the altar of burnt offering made of acacia wood with four horns on its four corners (center), and the bronze implements for tending the altar (bottom).

A woodcut depicting the bronze laver for priestly washing (top), the altar of burnt offering made of acacia wood with four horns on its four corners (center), and the bronze implements for tending the altar (bottom).

A woodcut depicting the Ark of the Covanent with its lid decorated with two cherubim, and the Altar of Incense with a chalice of burning incense placed on it.

A woodcut depicting the Ark of the Covanent with its lid decorated with two cherubim, and the Altar of Incense with a chalice of burning incense placed on it.

A woodcut depicting Saint John the Apostle's vision from the first chapter of Revelations of a Christ with flaming eyes, surrounded by seven candlesticks and holding seven stars, with a sword emerging from his mouth. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting Saint John the Apostle's vision from the first chapter of Revelations of a Christ with flaming eyes, surrounded by seven candlesticks and holding seven stars, with a sword emerging from his mouth. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

Summary: This is the first printing of the first part of Luther's translation of the Old Testament into idiomatic German. It comprises the Pentateuch, or the five Books of Moses. Scholars long believed that this edition had been destroyed by Luther's friends because of its many printing errors. This printing contains 11 full-page and six initial-figure woodcuts. The volume has been heavily annotated in an early to mid-sixteenth century hand.

Summary: This is the first printing of the first part of Luther's translation of the Old Testament into idiomatic German. It comprises the Pentateuch, or the five Books of Moses. Scholars long believed that this edition had been destroyed by Luther's friends because of its many printing errors. This printing contains 11 full-page and six initial-figure woodcuts. The volume has been heavily annotated in an early to mid-sixteenth century hand.

Summary: Luther wrote this exposition of the Magnificent (Luke 1:46-55) in March 1521. He dedicated it to Duke Johann Frederich of Saxony as a token of his thanks to the Duke for his support and encouragement after Luther's condemnation by Pope Leo X. Text in German includes Luther's German translation of the Magnificat from the N.T. Greek of St. Luke's Gospel.

Summary: Luther wrote this exposition of the Magnificent (Luke 1:46-55) in March 1521. He dedicated it to Duke Johann Frederich of Saxony as a token of his thanks to the Duke for his support and encouragement after Luther's condemnation by Pope Leo X. Text in German includes Luther's German translation of the Magnificat from the N.T. Greek of St. Luke's Gospel.

Summary: Luther's translation from the original Greek of the New Testament is a landmark in the history of the German language. His forceful style ensured that his Thuringian-Saxon dialect would provide the standard for High German in years to come. From a religious standpoint, Luther's decision to refer to the original Greek rather than merely to translate the Vulgate ensured that the German New Testament would be much more faithful to the original. Erasmus' New Testament provided the basis for the translation.

Summary: Luther's translation from the original Greek of the New Testament is a landmark in the history of the German language. His forceful style ensured that his Thuringian-Saxon dialect would provide the standard for High German in years to come. From a religious standpoint, Luther's decision to refer to the original Greek rather than merely to translate the Vulgate ensured that the German New Testament would be much more faithful to the original. Erasmus' New Testament provided the basis for the translation.

A woodcut depicting the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: the first, a conquerer with a crown and bow, the second, with a sword, tasked with taking peace from the earth, the third holding scales, and the fourth, Death itself. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: the first, a conquerer with a crown and bow, the second, with a sword, tasked with taking peace from the earth, the third holding scales, and the fourth, Death itself. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut border to Luther's German translation of the Old Testament printed in 1523. The border is composed of one woodcut depicting an architectural arch supported by four columns, a gathering of cherubs (top and sides), and a group of worshipers (?) around a crucified Christ (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's German translation of the Old Testament printed in 1523. The border is composed of one woodcut depicting an architectural arch supported by four columns, a gathering of cherubs (top and sides), and a group of worshipers (?) around a crucified Christ (bottom).

A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Iudicium de votis printed in 1521. The border is done as a single woodcut depicting a monk (left), a nun (right), a Green Man of pagan and Christian lore (bottom), and a bowl of fruit (top). The intermediate spaces are filled with floral and plant decorative motifs.

A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Iudicium de votis printed in 1521. The border is done as a single woodcut depicting a monk (left), a nun (right), a Green Man of pagan and Christian lore (bottom), and a bowl of fruit (top). The intermediate spaces are filled with floral and plant decorative motifs.

A woodcut initial letter "A" depicting God creating the world. the arch of the "A" is made from a bent over plam tree.

A woodcut initial letter "A" depicting God creating the world. the arch of the "A" is made from a bent over plam tree.

A woodcut initial letter "D" illustrated with the scene of Moses delivering his farewell discourse while God looks down from Heaven. Moses is depicted with horns, a common practice in Western art before the Renaissance.

A woodcut initial letter "D" illustrated with the scene of Moses delivering his farewell discourse while God looks down from Heaven. Moses is depicted with horns, a common practice in Western art before the Renaissance.

A woodcut initial letter "D" illustrated with the scene of Moses delivering his farewell discourse while God looks down from Heaven. Moses is depicted with horns, a common practice in Western art before the Renaissance.

A woodcut initial letter "D" illustrated with the scene of Moses delivering his farewell discourse while God looks down from Heaven. Moses is depicted with horns, a common practice in Western art before the Renaissance.

A woodcut initial letter "U" depicting Moses praying before God in Heaven, who is holding a globus cruciger. Moses is here depicted with horns, which was common before the Renaissance. The shape of the "U" includes two cherubs atop pillars and a bound bird.

A woodcut initial letter "U" depicting Moses praying before God in Heaven, who is holding a globus cruciger. Moses is here depicted with horns, which was common before the Renaissance. The shape of the "U" includes two cherubs atop pillars and a bound bird.

A woodcut initial letter "U" depicting a woman and a man kneeling before an altar with a sheep on it. The bottom and right curve of the "U" is made from the image of a dragon.

A woodcut initial letter "U" depicting a woman and a man kneeling before an altar with a sheep on it. The bottom and right curve of the "U" is made from the image of a dragon.

A woodcut initial letter "D" depicting Jesus Christ transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John.

A woodcut initial letter "D" depicting Jesus Christ transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John.

Summary: First edition of a short tract written by Luther at Wartburg castle and addressed to the bishop and religious leaders in Wittenberg. In 139 brief statements, Luther warns that religious vows and monastic life do not by themselves bring about the forgiveness of sins.

Summary: First edition of a short tract written by Luther at Wartburg castle and addressed to the bishop and religious leaders in Wittenberg. In 139 brief statements, Luther warns that religious vows and monastic life do not by themselves bring about the forgiveness of sins.

A woodcut depicting God blessing Jacob as he dreams, represented by three angels descending/ascending a ladder linking Heaven and Earth. Above the woodcut is a section of handwritten marginalia.

A woodcut depicting God blessing Jacob as he dreams, represented by three angels descending/ascending a ladder linking Heaven and Earth. Above the woodcut is a section of handwritten marginalia.

A woodcut depicting Joseph beside Pharaoh's bedside (top) explaining the meaning of his dream of seven fat and seven lean cows, and seven good and seven lean stalks, represents seven years of feast and famine that will come to Egypt.

A woodcut depicting Joseph beside Pharaoh's bedside (top) explaining the meaning of his dream of seven fat and seven lean cows, and seven good and seven lean stalks, represents seven years of feast and famine that will come to Egypt.

A woodcut depicting the lampstand, table, and bread of presence surrounded by plates, jugs, and bowls.

A woodcut depicting the lampstand, table, and bread of presence surrounded by plates, jugs, and bowls.

A woodcut depicting Noah's Ark (Der Kaste Noe) safe and afloat amidst the torential rains (center). At the bottom of the image there is a field of fallen trees and dead people and animals left behind by the receeding waters. in the top left of the image there is a dove carrying an olive branch, signalling the receeding of the waters.

A woodcut depicting Noah's Ark (Der Kaste Noe) safe and afloat amidst the torential rains (center). At the bottom of the image there is a field of fallen trees and dead people and animals left behind by the receeding waters. in the top left of the image there is a dove carrying an olive branch, signalling the receeding of the waters.

A woodcut depicting a preist dressed in the vestments described in Exodus 28, including an elaborate ephod and/or breastpiece, a long robe decorated with pomegranates and bells, and a decorated turban.

A woodcut depicting a preist dressed in the vestments described in Exodus 28, including an elaborate ephod and/or breastpiece, a long robe decorated with pomegranates and bells, and a decorated turban.

A woodcut printer's device of Melchior Lotter featuring a crest depicting the Brazen Serpent wrapped around a cross.

A woodcut printer's device of Melchior Lotter featuring a crest depicting the Brazen Serpent wrapped around a cross.

A woodcut depicting Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a show of faith to God and being stopped by an angel, who provides a ram (center left) for sacrifice in Isaac's place.

A woodcut depicting Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a show of faith to God and being stopped by an angel, who provides a ram (center left) for sacrifice in Isaac's place.

A woodcut depicting an angel sealing the 144,000 faithful as a group of angels hold off the Winds from damaging the Earth. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting an angel sealing the 144,000 faithful as a group of angels hold off the Winds from damaging the Earth. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the full layout of the Tabernacle court, including the altar of burnt offerings, the bronze laver, and the inner tent with the table, lampstand, altar of incense, and the Ark of the Covanent.

A woodcut depicting the full layout of the Tabernacle court, including the altar of burnt offerings, the bronze laver, and the inner tent with the table, lampstand, altar of incense, and the Ark of the Covanent.

A woodcut depicting the acacia wood frames with silver bases for the tabernacle.

A woodcut depicting the acacia wood frames with silver bases for the tabernacle.

A woodcut depicting one of the inner curtains of the Tabernacle, decorated with cherubim in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and displayed in the Tabernacle courtyard.

A woodcut depicting one of the inner curtains of the Tabernacle, decorated with cherubim in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and displayed in the Tabernacle courtyard.

A woodcut depicting an angel, robed in clouds with legs of flaming pillars, handing a book to Saint John the Apostle and pointing up at the heavens. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting an angel, robed in clouds with legs of flaming pillars, handing a book to Saint John the Apostle and pointing up at the heavens. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the victorious armies of Heaven (top right) routing the opposing forces as the beast is cast into a lake of fire and brimstone. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the victorious armies of Heaven (top right) routing the opposing forces as the beast is cast into a lake of fire and brimstone. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting two angels announcing the destruction of Babylon and dropping a millstone into the sea while the city itself is seen in flames below. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting two angels announcing the destruction of Babylon and dropping a millstone into the sea while the city itself is seen in flames below. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting an angel locking the dragon, which represents Satan, into a bottomless pit to be bound for a thousand years. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting an angel locking the dragon, which represents Satan, into a bottomless pit to be bound for a thousand years. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the release of the locusts from a bottomless pit by a star following the sounding of the Fifth Trumpet. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the release of the locusts from a bottomless pit by a star following the sounding of the Fifth Trumpet. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depictng God and seven angels with trumpets (top), hail and fire falling into the sea (bottom left), and a burning mountain falling into the sea (bottom right). The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depictng God and seven angels with trumpets (top), hail and fire falling into the sea (bottom left), and a burning mountain falling into the sea (bottom right). The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting Jesus seated on a throne and holding a sickle, directing the harvest of grain (bottom right) and that of grapes to be pressed (bottom left). The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting Jesus seated on a throne and holding a sickle, directing the harvest of grain (bottom right) and that of grapes to be pressed (bottom left). The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting an angel gesturing towards the heavenly city of Jerusalem. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting an angel gesturing towards the heavenly city of Jerusalem. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the Lamb of God atop Mount Zion (top) framed by the four beasts described in Ezekiel 1, harpers, and angels holding a book, while below them the city of Babylon is destroyed (bottom). The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the Lamb of God atop Mount Zion (top) framed by the four beasts described in Ezekiel 1, harpers, and angels holding a book, while below them the city of Babylon is destroyed (bottom). The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the souls of martyrs laid out beneath an altar (bottom left), being lifted up by angels (mid left), and being dressed in white robes (right). The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the souls of martyrs laid out beneath an altar (bottom left), being lifted up by angels (mid left), and being dressed in white robes (right). The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting angels pouring out the Seven Plagues, including a plague upon the sun, the air, the rivers and fountains, the earth, the sea, the Euphrates, and the seat of the beast, which is sprewing unclean spirits in the form of frogs. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting angels pouring out the Seven Plagues, including a plague upon the sun, the air, the rivers and fountains, the earth, the sea, the Euphrates, and the seat of the beast, which is sprewing unclean spirits in the form of frogs. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the releasing of four angels bound to the Euphrates to lead an army of lion-mounted warriors to destroy a third of the world's population. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the releasing of four angels bound to the Euphrates to lead an army of lion-mounted warriors to destroy a third of the world's population. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting a series of disasters, including the sun and moon changing, stars falling, and earthquakes. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting a series of disasters, including the sun and moon changing, stars falling, and earthquakes. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting Saint John the Apostle measuring the temple of God as two witnesses named by an angel face a snarling beast. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting Saint John the Apostle measuring the temple of God as two witnesses named by an angel face a snarling beast. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting two beasts, the first with seven crowned heads and ten horns rising from the sea, and the second in the shape of a lamb with two horns which is accompanied by flames raining from the skies. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting two beasts, the first with seven crowned heads and ten horns rising from the sea, and the second in the shape of a lamb with two horns which is accompanied by flames raining from the skies. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the Whore (Harlot) of Babylon atop the red dragon, a golden cup in hand and a Papal crown upon her head. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting the Whore (Harlot) of Babylon atop the red dragon, a golden cup in hand and a Papal crown upon her head. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting a woman crowned in stars facing down a dragon with ten horns and seven crowns while above her a child is carried to the throne of God by angels. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting a woman crowned in stars facing down a dragon with ten horns and seven crowns while above her a child is carried to the throne of God by angels. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting Saint John the Apostle kneeling before a scene where God, seated on a throne and flanked by the four beasts described in Ezekiel 1, hands a book to the Lamb of God as a number of angels surround them and a group of elders kneel, crowns removed with harps and incense in hand. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

A woodcut depicting Saint John the Apostle kneeling before a scene where God, seated on a throne and flanked by the four beasts described in Ezekiel 1, hands a book to the Lamb of God as a number of angels surround them and a group of elders kneel, crowns removed with harps and incense in hand. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.

Summary: Karlstadt wrote numerous tracts on the reception of the sacrament in both kinds. This tract deals especially with those who receive the sacrament, what the signs of the sacrament signify, and what promises are given to those who partake.

Summary: Karlstadt wrote numerous tracts on the reception of the sacrament in both kinds. This tract deals especially with those who receive the sacrament, what the signs of the sacrament signify, and what promises are given to those who partake.