Martin Luther’s German translation of the New Testament

Documents representing the beginning and early development of the Reformation.

Martin Luther’s German translation of the New Testament. First edition, the so-called Septembertestament, printed in Wittenberg by Melchior Lotter, September 1522. Copy held by the Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel, Shelfmark: Bibel-S. 4° 257, hand-colored woodcut illustration to the Book of Revelation, page bb 2v.

The documents representing the beginning and early development of the Reformation initiated by Martin Luther (1483-1546) clarify that “Reformation” indicates a process of transformation based on the relationship between human beings and God, which determined and altered all levels and elements of society and life – religion, politics, society and culture. They record how a religious impetus focused on the revision of traditional positions gradually developed into larger societal and political phenomenon thar made an impact throughout the world in the 16th century. They also represent the transition from manuscript to print media and its impact on the mobilization of the public.