Collection
Richard C. Kessler Reformation Collection
The Richard C. Kessler Reformation Collection was established in 1987, when Richard and Martha Kessler donated their private collection of Reformation imprints and manuscripts to Emory University. These materials were combined with Reformation holdings at the Pitts Theology Library, and an effort was launched to enlarge and sustain this collection in the years to come. An advisory committee of Lutheran laypersons and clergy and of Candler School of Theology faculty and administrators oversees the nurture of the collection and its programs. The Reformation Notes newsletter provides semiannual updates on the growth of the collection, and the Reformation Day at Emory program of music and lectures each October celebrates the collection and its contributions to music, history, and theology. In the sixteenth century the social and theological movements of central Europe, known collectively as the Reformation, critically shaped religion, law, education and other institutions in the West, and their long shadow has extended even to the present. The purpose of the Kessler Collection is to document these changes by collecting print and manuscript materials down to 1570 by Martin Luther (1483-1546) and those whom he influenced or engaged in debate. In this way historians and theologians will be able to hear the full range of voices that were raised in this dynamic period. The holdings of the collection now exceed 4,000 items, a mark approximated by only two other libraries in North America; no American library approaches the Kessler Collection's 1,000+ publications by Luther himself.
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Still imageVision of God's Throne
Cranach, Lucas, 1472-1553A 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. -
Still imageChrist in Glory
Cranach, Lucas, 1472-1553A 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. -
TextReplica contra periculosa scripta post Scrutinium diuine scripture iam pride[m] emissum emanata. ...
Schatzgeyer, Kaspar, 1463 or 1464-1527Summary: Casper Schatzgeyer, or Sasgerus, was a Franciscan friar who became provincial of the Province of Strasbourg in 1517. He wrote about 23 books on theological topics and against members of other orders and sects, notably J. von Staupitz and A. Osiander. This book, however, criticizes two of Luther's tracts: On Monastic Vows and On the Abolition of the Private Mass. Luther persuaded Johann Briessmann to reply, and Schatzgeyer replied to Briessmann. This is the work's first printing.Summary: Casper Schatzgeyer, or Sasgerus, was a Franciscan friar who became provincial of the Province of Strasbourg in 1517. He wrote about 23 books on theological topics and against members of other orders and sects, notably J. von Staupitz and A. Osiander. This book, however, criticizes two of Luther's tracts: On Monastic Vows and On the Abolition of the Private Mass. Luther persuaded Johann Briessmann to reply, and Schatzgeyer replied to Briessmann. This is the work's first printing. -
TextIoan. Eccii theologi Ingolstadii Procancellarij ... de materia iuramenti acutiss. decisio ad Georgium Kungspergium Augustanum
Eck, Johann, 1486-1543Summary: As professor of Logic and Rhetoric at Ingolstadt, Eck had the duty of writing the theses his students defended as part of the requirement for obtaining their doctorates. This one on oaths and vows was written and defended in 1516. M. Kretz was the respondent. This is a very early example of a printed dissertation.Summary: As professor of Logic and Rhetoric at Ingolstadt, Eck had the duty of writing the theses his students defended as part of the requirement for obtaining their doctorates. This one on oaths and vows was written and defended in 1516. M. Kretz was the respondent. This is a very early example of a printed dissertation. -
Still imageMartin Luther
A woodcut portrait of Martin Luther holding a book.A woodcut portrait of Martin Luther holding a book. -
TextEegister [i.e. Register] aller Schrifften des Ehrwirdigen Herrn D. Martini Lutheri, : gerichtet zugleich auff die XIX. Wittenbergischen, vnd XII. Jhenischen Tomos, beyders [sic] des Alten vnd Newen Drucks, allen Liebhabern der Bücher Lutheri gantz nützlich zu gebrauchen
Suevus, Sigismundus, 1526-1596Summary: This is a very rare example of the index prepared to help students find specific works by Luther. Since Luther's writings had been collected in two different sets--the nineteen volume Wittenberg edition, and the twelve volume Jena edition--such an index was necessary.Summary: This is a very rare example of the index prepared to help students find specific works by Luther. Since Luther's writings had been collected in two different sets--the nineteen volume Wittenberg edition, and the twelve volume Jena edition--such an index was necessary. -
TextAm. [sic] Sermon. Am Pfingstmontag das Evangelium. Joan. iij. : Also hat got die welt lieb gehabt. rc.
Luther, Martin, 1483-1546Summary: Sermon preached June 9, 1522, on John 3:16 (God So Loved The World).Summary: Sermon preached June 9, 1522, on John 3:16 (God So Loved The World). -
TextUon Menschen leeren zu meyden
Luther, Martin, 1483-1546Summary: First published earlier the same year, Luther's pamphlet Defense of the doctrines of men was one of Luther's most widely read writings with approximately twenty editions appearing in the years 1522 and 1523. Written in honor of Hans von Belepsch who had hosted Luther at the Wartburg as the reformer translated the New Testament. Luther argues that church teachings that have no basis in the Bible, in particular fasting and celibacy, are illegitimate and are to be avoided.Summary: First published earlier the same year, Luther's pamphlet Defense of the doctrines of men was one of Luther's most widely read writings with approximately twenty editions appearing in the years 1522 and 1523. Written in honor of Hans von Belepsch who had hosted Luther at the Wartburg as the reformer translated the New Testament. Luther argues that church teachings that have no basis in the Bible, in particular fasting and celibacy, are illegitimate and are to be avoided. -
TextAin Sermo[n] am fPingstmontag [sic] das Ewangelium Joan iij, Also hat Got die Welt lieb gehabt, [et]c.
Luther, Martin, 1483-1546Summary: Sermon preached June 9, 1522, on John III, 16, "For God so loved the world ..."Summary: Sermon preached June 9, 1522, on John III, 16, "For God so loved the world ..." -
TextDisputatio inter Egregios & praelatus virus ac doctores, Joannem Ecci[um] & Martinum Lutherum in p[rae]sentia notariorum habita
Luther, Martin, 1483-1546Summary: Unique printing of the original notarial protocol of the Leipzig Disputation between Andreas Karlstadt and Martin Luther on the one hand, and Johann Eck, on the other. Includes fully two thirds of the several day debate, and all of the famous "duel" between Luther and Eck on authority in the church. The debates were copied by two notaries, and, at the end of each day's sessions, were verified by two witnesses.Summary: Unique printing of the original notarial protocol of the Leipzig Disputation between Andreas Karlstadt and Martin Luther on the one hand, and Johann Eck, on the other. Includes fully two thirds of the several day debate, and all of the famous "duel" between Luther and Eck on authority in the church. The debates were copied by two notaries, and, at the end of each day's sessions, were verified by two witnesses. -
Still imageMap of the Four Beasts from Daniel's Vision
A woodcut depicting the four beasts described in Daniel's vision placed on a map, one each in Europe and Africa, and two in Asia. The beasts are placed in such a way that they surround the holy land.A woodcut depicting the four beasts described in Daniel's vision placed on a map, one each in Europe and Africa, and two in Asia. The beasts are placed in such a way that they surround the holy land. -
Still imageThe Beast from the Sea
A woodcut of the first Beast mentioned in Revelations, which emerged from the sea. It has seven heads and ten horns.A woodcut of the first Beast mentioned in Revelations, which emerged from the sea. It has seven heads and ten horns. -
Still imageThe Beasts from the Sea and Earth
A woodcut of the two beasts mentioned in Revelations. On the right, is the seven-headed beast from the sea. On the hill in the background is the "lamb-horned" beast from the earth.A woodcut of the two beasts mentioned in Revelations. On the right, is the seven-headed beast from the sea. On the hill in the background is the "lamb-horned" beast from the earth. -
Still imageGespängst der bösen geist
A woodcut depicting a hairy, bipedal beast, labeled as the "spook of the evil ghost," which is found in a vast desert beyond India in the land of Cathay. This type of ghost is said to lead travellers astray by mimicking the voices of their travelling companions.A woodcut depicting a hairy, bipedal beast, labeled as the "spook of the evil ghost," which is found in a vast desert beyond India in the land of Cathay. This type of ghost is said to lead travellers astray by mimicking the voices of their travelling companions. -
Still imageSalamandra
A woodcut of a creature labeled as "Salamandra" (Salamander), which is described as preferring to live in fire and can be found on a mountain in the land of Chinchital in the New World.A woodcut of a creature labeled as "Salamandra" (Salamander), which is described as preferring to live in fire and can be found on a mountain in the land of Chinchital in the New World. -
Still imageThree-headed portent of Marcomirus
A woodcut depicting a being with three heads: a frog representing France, an eagle representing Rome, and a lion representing Germany. This creature preceeded the arrival of Marcomirus, a Sicambrian king who took control of a region of Gaul after moving from the Danube region into the low countries (Gelders and Holland).A woodcut depicting a being with three heads: a frog representing France, an eagle representing Rome, and a lion representing Germany. This creature preceeded the arrival of Marcomirus, a Sicambrian king who took control of a region of Gaul after moving from the Danube region into the low countries (Gelders and Holland). -
Still imageVon wunderbarlichen dingen so in Morlande gefunden werden
A woodcut depicting a group of monstrous beings purported to be found in Africa, including a dog-headed being (cynocephalus) and a cyclops, both likely drawn from classical influences. This woodcut is also used to depict the same creatures in the section on India, where the purportedly also reside.A woodcut depicting a group of monstrous beings purported to be found in Africa, including a dog-headed being (cynocephalus) and a cyclops, both likely drawn from classical influences. This woodcut is also used to depict the same creatures in the section on India, where the purportedly also reside. -
Still imageDaniel's Vision of the Four Beasts
A woodcut of the four beasts which appeared to Daniel in a vision. Each beast represented a different kingdom.A woodcut of the four beasts which appeared to Daniel in a vision. Each beast represented a different kingdom. -
![A woodcut depicting Martin Luther as a seven-headed monster, critiquing his deviation from Catholicism. Each head is labeled (from left to right): Doctor, Martinus, Luther, Ecclesiast, Schwirmer [Schwärmer], Visitieter, and Barrabas. This was a classic piece of Catholic propaganda, portraying Luther not only as a Doctor and Churchman, but as a Turk, a wild enthusiast (Schwarmer) and "Barrabas."](https://s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/omekacloud-main/large/P_300000132224_P005/P_300000132224_P005-cr_PROD.jpg)
Still imageSieben Köpffe Martini Luthers vom hochwirdigen Sacrament des Altars
A woodcut depicting Martin Luther as a seven-headed monster, critiquing his deviation from Catholicism. Each head is labeled (from left to right): Doctor, Martinus, Luther, Ecclesiast, Schwirmer [Schwärmer], Visitieter, and Barrabas. This was a classic piece of Catholic propaganda, portraying Luther not only as a Doctor and Churchman, but as a Turk, a wild enthusiast (Schwarmer) and "Barrabas."A woodcut depicting Martin Luther as a seven-headed monster, critiquing his deviation from Catholicism. Each head is labeled (from left to right): Doctor, Martinus, Luther, Ecclesiast, Schwirmer [Schwärmer], Visitieter, and Barrabas. This was a classic piece of Catholic propaganda, portraying Luther not only as a Doctor and Churchman, but as a Turk, a wild enthusiast (Schwarmer) and "Barrabas." -
Still imageDas Munchkalb zu Freyberg
A woodcut depicting the Monk-Calf of Freyberg, which was born with a tonsure-like irregularity on its head, resembling the common hairstyle of a Catholic monk.A woodcut depicting the Monk-Calf of Freyberg, which was born with a tonsure-like irregularity on its head, resembling the common hairstyle of a Catholic monk. -
Still imageDer Bapstesel zu Rom
A woodcut depicting the "Papal Ass," a monster purported to have been pulled from the Tiber in Rome as a portent of the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church.A woodcut depicting the "Papal Ass," a monster purported to have been pulled from the Tiber in Rome as a portent of the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church.
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