First and only edition of a rare and important Reformation pamphlet by Hartmuth von Cronberg (1488-1549), an imperial knight (Reichsritter) and one of the earliest convinced adherents of Martin Luther (1483-1546).
Von Cronberg belonged to a family of free imperial knights and was closely related to Franz von Sickingen (1481-1523), the famous knight and military supporter of the early Reformation. Von Cronberg took part in several of Sickingens campaigns, including the ill-fated conflict against the Archbishop of Trier. When Sickingens rebellion collapsed, Von Cronbergs fortunes fell with it. His family estates at Cronberg in the Taunus were seized by Philip of Hesse (1504-1567), and Von Cronberg was driven into exile.
As a result, Von Cronberg spent several years moving between centres of early Reformation thought, including Ebernburg, Basel, Wittenberg, and Bohemia. Deeply impressed by Luthers teachings and especially by Luthers steadfast stand at the Diet of Worms in 1521, Von Cronberg became one of the first knights to openly align himself with the evangelical cause. The historian Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886) later described him as "the first, in the sense of a later age, truly devout and fully convinced Lutheran".
Unlike most reformers, Von Cronberg had no formal academic training. His writings grew directly out of personal conviction rather than scholarly background. Beginning shortly after the Diet of Worms, he started to publish open letters and pamphlets defending Luther and calling for radical reform of the Church. Over time, these religious writings became intertwined with his personal struggle for justice.
The address achieved no immediate success. Von Cronbergs estates remained in Hessian hands for many years. Only in 1541, after mediation by Martin Bucer (1491-1551), did Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse agree to a partial restitution, and it was not until after the Schmalkaldic War (1546-47) that Emperor Charles V (1500-1558) finally ensured Cronbergs full reinstatement.
With the cypher "23" written on the title page, the paper wrappers show some signs of use, and a small tear to the lower margin of the first two leaves (not affecting the text). Otherwise in good condition. Hohenemser 1889; Kuczynski 538; Richter, "Über einige seltenere Reformations-Flugschriften aus den Jahren 1523-1525", 1899; USTC 675916 (10 copies); VD 16, C 5931; WorldCat 311353063 (5 copies); not in Panzer, Weller, Knaake, Jackson and Pegg.