This edition documents for the first time the literary contribution Johannes Bugenhagen made in preparing the birth of the Reformation. His reformatory teachings as well as excerpts from his lectures had a tremendous influence on Protestant piety. With this edition of his Latin, early New High German and Low German texts Anneliese Bieber-Wallmann documents his literary contribution to the rise of the Reformation. The earliest sources reveal how much Johannes Bugenhagen was initially influenced by humanism. While in Pomerania he attempted to improve Latin instruction and reform views on piety to conform to Biblical aspects. From his time in Wittenberg from 1521 on we have many leaflets of his with simple depictions of the Reformation teachings as well as excerpts from exegetical lectures that had a profound effect on subsequent Protestant views of piety.

Johannes Bugenhagen (1485-1558) is well-known as Luther's pastor in Wittenberg since 1523 and also as an author of Lutheran Church orders. His development as a reformer from the beginning in Pomerania to the first years in Wittenberg is highlighted in the present edition of Bugenhagen's writings. Bugenhagen's printed letters as well as some parts of his exegetical teaching which became popular are documented in the present volume. Texts in Latin, Early New High German and Low German are edited on the basis of manuscripts and the first editions of the 16th century, while helpful introductions and footnotes are added. Among these writings the harmonized version of the gospel texts about the Sufferings, Dying and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is most important.