The Gruber Rare Books Collection and Other Rare Books
Luther's Works
Publications by Luther 1521
The Magnificat
Gruber 127 Das Magnificat Vorteutschet und auszgelegt durch D. Martinum luther Aug. Vuittemberg. Wittenberg: Melchior Lotter, 1521. Aland 444; Benzing 855; WA 7. (538-543) 544-604; This is edition A. Delete the German Das Magnificat verdeutschet und ausgelegt. Luther's Works, 21:295-358. Das Magnificat verdeutschet und ausgelegt. Gruber 127 and 133 are identical, but with different bindings. Title pages also are spaced somewhat differently Gruber 133 has many underlinings and marginal notations. Click to enlarge thumbnail.
Gruber 133 Das Magnificat Vorteutschet und auszgelegt durch D. Martinum luther Aug. Wittenberg: Melchior Lotter the Younger, 1521. (Exposition of the Magnificat). Benzing 855 WA 7. (538-543) 544-604; Luther's Works, 21:295-358.
Dedicating this commentary to the young Duke John Frederick, soon to become elector of Saxony, 1503-1554, Luther expounds Mary's song as a model of humble, firm faith and of upright responsible life. Mary is not the recipient of prayer, but she accompanies those who are praying to Christ. Luther’s composition of this work was interrupted by his attendance at the Diet of Worms. Gruber 133 has many underlinings and marginal notations.
Luther began this exposition in November 1520, but it was completed at the Wartburg by March 10, 1521. Click to enlarge thumbnail.
A Document Critical of Ambrosius Catharinus.
Gruber 128 Ad librum eximii Magistri Nostri Magistri Ambrosii Catharini, defensoris Silvestri Prieratis acerrimi, responsio. Wittenberg: Melchior Loltter, 1521. Benzing 880; WA 7. (698-704) 705-778. This is edition A. This essay was in response to a polemical essay written by Ambrosius Catharinus that supported the criticisms of Luther by Prierias. Luther’s Latin essay was translated into German by Paul Speratus and published in 1524 under the title “Offenbarung des Endchrists aus dem Propheten Daniel wider Catharinum.”
The Gruber Collection was assembled by L. Franklin Gruber, President of Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, Maywood, Illinois.
Annotation prepared by Ralph W Klein