Die Kleyn Furstlich Chronica (History of the World). Kasper Sturm. 1544.
Kaspar Sturm, born in Oppenheim in 1475, was the son of an Electoral Palatinate official and went on to become a significant figure in his own right. He began his career at a law office and was later commissioned by the Nuremberg Council to report on political events to the German Reich.
Sturm’s influence extended beyond chronicling, with his friendship with Martin Luther further solidifying his place in history.
Being an admirer of Martin Luther, Sturm played a crucial role in protecting Luther during his journey to the Diet of Worms in 1521, a moment immortalized in the stained glass windows of St. Catherine’s Church.
Martin Luther’s impact on history was profound, especially with his translation of the Bible into German, making religious texts more accessible and promoting literacy among the general population. His teachings challenged the authority of the Church and inspired movements for individual liberty and religious freedom.
Published in 1544, “Die Kleyn Furstlich Chronica” by Kasper Sturm delves into the history of the world, covering the four monarchies from the beginning of time to the twilight of the Roman Empire. This unique edition provides a glimpse into pre-16th-century history and is the only surviving copy known to exist after 480 years of its original publication.
This is the first and only edition known to have survived over the last 480 years, in private hands, rebound in a rare antiphonary leaf from the 1600s, one of the three liturgical books used for the Divine Office. This book is in excellent condition for its age with a firm and beautiful binding and over 30 pages of illustrations. Written in German.
