Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Albert A. Howard was a Rare Book Cataloger and Honorary Curator of Printed Books at University of Southern Maine. Howard began donating his personal collection, amassed over a lifetime, in 2004, when the Special Collections facility was opened on the 6th floor of the Glickman Library. He continued to add to his collection over the next two decades.

The collection contains chiefly rare books and pamphlets of Europe and North America from the 15th century to the 21st century. Includes approximately 200 Greek and Latin texts of the 16th-18th centuries, finely illustrated books reflecting Howard’s interests, some children’s books, and 19th century British and American chapbooks. The latter include books printed by Bruce Rogers, Merrymount Press, W.A. Dwiggins, and various small presses. The collection also includes reference books related to the study of rare books, book arts and the book trade.

Most books are written in English, Latin, and Greek, with about 100 works in other European languages. Over half of the items were published in the United States, about one fifth in the United Kingdom, one tenth in Europe, and the remainder in Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

See also GEN MS 60, Albert Howard Ephemera Collection, for prints, ephemera, and fragments related to this collection.

Please note that these digitized items represent only a small fraction of the overall collection.

View the digital exhibit Reformation Era Books from the Albert A. Howard Rare Book Collection.

For a full listing of cataloged books from this collection, please refer to URSUS.

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The New England primer improved

unknown

Full title: The New England primer improved, for the more easy attaining the true reading of English. To which is added the Assembly of Divines, and Mr. Cotton's catechism. Boston, Printed by E. Draper and sold by J. Boyle, 1777

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The wonder of wonders, or, The remarkable discovery of an American hermit; : who lived upwards of 200 years

James Buckland and John Fielding

Chapbook description:

The hermit was purportedly discovered by Capt. James Buckland and Mr. John Fielding, who in 1785 "agreed to travel into the western parts of this vast country, to explore the regions which belong to the United States which are yet unknown to us."

Printed in Kennebunk prior to Maine's statehood.

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Prieres ordinaires des soldatz de l'armee conduite par Monsieur le Prince de Condé, accommodees selon l'occurrence du temps

Louis prince de Condé (1530-1569)

Morning and evening prayers for the use of soldiers, according to Calvinist rites.

Full title: Prieres ordinaires des soldatz de l'armee conduite par Monsieur le Prince de Condé, accommodees selon l'occurrence du temps = Zwey schone Gebet welche die Soldaten die unter dem herrn Printzen von Conde ligen beide Abends vnd Morgens wenn sie auf vnd von der Wacht zihen sprechen

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Historia vnd beschreibung des Magdenburgischen kriegs

Sebastian Besselmeier

A news pamphlet detailing the various events during the siege of the Protestant city of Magdeburg by imperial forces in 1551.

Full title: Historia vnd beschreibung des Magdenburgischen kriegs, von anfang biss zum end, was sich die zeit der belegerung, innen vnd ausserhalb der Stadt zugetragen vnd verloffen hat, auch von der Schlacht vnnd furnembsten scharmutzlen thaten vnd angriffen zu beyden theilen geschehen im Iar der mindern zal, 50. vnd 51., auffs kurtzest verfasst

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Bulla reductionis generalis concilii ad civitatem Tridentinam cum monitione & requisitione Prælatorum

Pope Julius III

Pope Julius III's bull announcing the re-opening of the Council of Trent in 1551 following the death of Paul III in 1549.

Full title: Bulla reductionis generalis concilii ad civitatem Tridentinam cum monitione & requisitione Prælatorum, ad illius prosecutionem p. S. D. N. D. Iulium III. pont. max

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Commentariorum de bello Germanico

Luis de Avila y Çuñiga (1500-1564)

A description of Charles V's war war against the Protestant league in 1546-1547, when the League was defeated at the battle of Muhlberg.

Full title: Commentariorum de bello Germanico, à Carolo V. Caesare Maximo gesto, libri duo / à Gulielmo Malinaeo Brugensi latinè redditi, & iconibus ad historiam accommodis illustrati

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Bestendige vnd warhafftige verantwortung

John Frederich, Elector of Saxony (1503-1554)

Defense by Elector John Frederick of Saxony and Landgrave Philip of Hesse against the charges of Emperor Charles V that they are rebellious vassals. The princes counter that the real reason for the the Pope's and Emperor's making war against them is their Evangelical faith.

Full title: Der Durchleuchtigst vnd Durchleüchtigen Hochgebornen Fürsten vnd Herren, Herrn Johans Friderichen, Hertzogen zu Sachssen ... Und herrn Philipsen, Landgrauen zü Hessen ... Bestendige vnd warhafftige verantwortung, auch im Rechten gegründete widderlegung : Warumb die vormeinte vrsachen ... zuvorleumen vnterstanden, Inn facto vnd inn der that nicht war ... Das auch derselbe genante Kayser ... als seiner Franckfordischen vorbriefften, vorsigelten vn[d] geschwornen Obligation ... vor Echtiger erkennen mögen, Das auch diesebe vormeinte Acht ... vnd solche alle sich inn die peen der Recht vnd des Landtfriden vorwircken theten. M.D. XLVI

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Warhaffte vnd gegründte Meldung vnd Anzeigen der geschwinden, tückischen, bösen Anschleg vnd Practick

Johann Schradin

Political satire against Charles V in the form of a dream by a Protestant preacher. In the dream, the Emperor has become a vassal of Rome and that Germans are released from their obedience to him.

Full title: Warhaffte vnd gegründte Meldung vnd Anzeigen der geschwinden, tückischen, bösen Anschleg vnd Practick : so wider die löblichenprotestierenden Stende, vnd Euangeliums einig Verwanten, durch die grossenFeind Gottes, den Bapst, vnd seinem Anhang, fürgenummen, vnd zu jemerlichenvnwiderbringlichem Vndergehen, vnd verderben des deudschen Lands, erdachtseind. Item Vrsach der genötigten, vnd gedrungnen Defension vnd Gegenwehr. Auch wie sich darinne zu halten sey. Gottes Wort bleiht ewig. Der erst KönigEerenuest. Der ander Hertzog Herman. Der 3. Friderich Barbarossa. Der 4. Jorgvon Frondsperg

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Abtrucke der verwarungs schrifft, der Chur vnd Fürsten, auch Graffen, Herrn, Stette vnd Stende der Augspurgischen Confession

unknown

The Protestant nobles state their grievances against Charles V, pointing out that in arming against them he is in violation of the oath he gave when elected Holy Roman Emperor.

Full title: Abtrucke der verwarungs schrifft, der Chur vnd Fürsten, auch Graffen, Herrn, Stette vnd Stende der Augspurgischen Confession Eynungs verwandten, Jhrer yetzigen hochgenottrangten, vnd verursachten Kriegssrüftung halben, an Keyserliche Mayestat aussgangen, vnd beschehen

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Recusationsschrifft

unknown

In this tract, the leaders of the Schmalkald League formally announce their intention not to participate in the Council of Trent, and give reasons why they are unable to do so. These include their objection to the Pope's having called it, since the Pope, as Bishop of Rome, has no legitimate power over other bishops, and their not recognizing the Council of Trent as a free and ecumenical council.

Full title: Recusatio[n]schrifft, in welcher alle protestierende Religions vnd Eynungs verwandte Stende, Rechtmessige vnd ergründete Ursach anzeigen warumb jre Chur vnd F.G. vnd sie, das vermeint, von Bapst Paulo dem Dritten, zu Trient, angesetzt Concilium zubesuchen, nit schuldig, noch auch dasselbe, dem Bapst, des Orts, vber die auffgerichte Reichs abschied, vnnd beschehenen vertröstungen, anzustellen gebürt habe

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Beuelch, das Euangelion belangendt

Henry Duke of Saxony (1473-1541)

Heinrich, a staunch Lutheran, announces the death of his brother the Duke George of Albertine Saxony, an equally committed Catholic, and decrees that Saxony is now to follow the reformed religion.

Full title: Des durchleuchtigen hochgebornen Fürsten vnd Herrn[n], herrn[n] Hainrichen Hertzoge[n] zu Sachssen [et]˜c. Beuelch, das Euangelion belangendt

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Apologia, das ist, ein vertedigs rede Georgij Wicelij widder seine affterreder die Luteristen, mit sampt kurtzer abconterfeyung Luterischer secten, vnd preis alter Römischen Kirchen, nützlich zu lesen

Georg Witzel (1501-1573)

Witzel, a Catholic priest who converted to Lutheranism, explains his break with Luther and return to the Church of Rome in response to the attacks of Lutherans against him. Bound with: Melliflui ac devotissimi patris beati Bernhardi…

Full title: Apologia, das ist, ein vertedigs rede Georgij Wicelij widder seine affterreder die Luteristen, mit sampt kurtzer abconterfeyung Luterischer secten, vnd preis alter Römischen Kirchen, nützlich zu lesen : Auch wie er von der Kirchen ynn die secten kommen, vnd von den selbigen widderumb zu der Kirchen geflohen ist

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Epistola ad Henricum VIII. Sept. 1, 1525

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Letters exchanged in 1525 between Henry VIII and Martin Luther.

Full title: Literarum, quibus inuictissimus princeps, Henricus octauus ... respondit, ad quandam epistolam Martini Lutheri, ad se miss, et ipsius Lutheran quo epistol exemplum

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Ernstliche erbietung der Euangelische[n] Prediger an den gaystlichen Stand die yetzigen leer betreffend

Urbanus Rhegius (1489-1541)

In six “points” the reformer Rhegius seeks to demonstrate the “signs” by which the true new evangelical teachings may be discerned.

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Ain Gesprech von den Scheynwercken der Gaystlichen, vnd jren gelübdten

Hans Sachs (1494-1576)

In a dialogue with the baker Peter, Hans Sachs discusses votive offerings and the Mass.

Full title: Ain Gesprech von den Scheynwercken der Gaystlichen, vnd jren gelübdten : damit sy zuouerlesterung des blouts Christi vermayne[n] selig zuowerden. / Hanns Sachs Schuochmacher

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Appellation vnnd Beruffung der Prœbst vnnd des Augustiner Priors zu Nüremberg

unknown

An appeal action by the provosts G. Pessler of S. Sebald, and Hektor Pömer of S. Lorenz, and the prior of the Augustinian monastery Wolfgang Volprecht against the authority of the bishop of Bamberg Weigand von Redwith in judging their case, and calling for a free council.

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Das hailig ewig wort gots

Haug Marschalck, Haug

A sermon on the Christian life by one of the greatest of the lay reformers who was also one of Luther’s earliest supporters. A former soldier with little education, he developed a mastery of Biblical texts. The text based mainly on the Gospels and Pauline Epistles.

Full title: Das hailig ewig wort gots : was das in im krafft, stercke tugende, frid, fred, erleiichtung und leben, in aym recht Cristen zü erwecken vermag &c. Zügestelt dem edlen gestrengen Riter und Kaiserlichen hauptm Herrn Jörgen v Frsperg zü Mündelhein. &c. Im Jar M.D. XXiij

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Contra Henricum Regem Angliae Martinus Luther

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Pamphlet in answer to Henry VIII’s unqualified support of the Papacy in his Book Assertio Septem Sacramentorum adversus Martinum Lutheram in 1521.

Full title: Contra Henricum Regem Angliae Martinus Luther : longe alius est hic liber [quam] ille quem ante hunc uernacula lingua scripsit

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Eyn verstendig trostlich leer uber das wort

Jakob Strauss (approximately 1483-approximately 1533)

An evangelical sermon on St. Paul’s text that a person should first examine themselves before partaking of Holy Communion.

Full title: Eyn verstendig trostlich leer uber das wort. Sanct Paulus. Der mensch sol sich selbs probieren ŻUn alszo v dem brott essen und von dem kelch trincken. Zu Hall Im Intall von Doc. Jacob Strauss gepredigett, M.D. XXij ..

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Predig Andresen Bodenstein von Carolstat tzu Wittenberg, Von empfahung des heyligen Sacraments

Andreas Rudolff-Bodenstein von Karlstadt (1486-1541)

Sermon by Andreas Bodenstein von Karlstadt in Wittenberg, On the reception of the Holy Sacrament.

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Argument disses biechleins

Urbanus Rhegius (1489-1541)

A satire against the “old” religion.

Full title: Argument disses biechleins. : Symon Hessus zeygt an Doctori Martino Luther vrsach, warumb die Luttherische bücher von den Coloniensern vnd Louaniensern verbrent worde[n] sein, dan[n] Martinus hatt des begert in[n] eynem büchlein dar in[n] er vrsach sagt mit xxx. artickeln im[m] geystlichen recht begriffen warumb er de[n] Bapst sein Recht zu Wittenberg verbrent hatt

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Ausslegung des hundert und neunten Psalms Dixit Dominus domino meo

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

A reprint of an early work by Luther which comments on the 110th Psalm (Vulgate 109).

Full title: Auszlegung des hu[n]dert vnd neundten psalmen. Dixit D[omi]n[u]s domino meo. / Doctoris Martini Luther Augustiner zu Witte[n]bergk ; zu herr Hieronymo Ebner Loszunger zu Nurnbergk

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Melliflui ac devotissimi patris beati Bernhardi primi abbatis Clarevallensis egregia omelia non solum fidei doctrina[m] sed vite quoq[ue] magisteriu[m] ac iuste co[n]versationis speculu[m]

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Bound with Apologia…

Full title: Melliflui ac devotissimi patris beati Bernhardi primi abbatis Clarevallensis egregia omelia non solum fidei doctrina[m] sed vite quoq[ue] magisteriu[m] ac iuste co[n]versationis speculu[m] : necnon luculentissima moru[m] p[re]cepta co[n]tinens inenarrabili fructuu[m] copia affluens, nectareaq[ue] dulcedine studiosos quosq[ue] lectores reficiens

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Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

The New England primer improved

The wonder of wonders, or, The remarkable discovery of an American hermit; : who lived upwards of 200 years

Prieres ordinaires des soldatz de l'armee conduite par Monsieur le Prince de Condé, accommodees selon l'occurrence du temps

Historia vnd beschreibung des Magdenburgischen kriegs

Bulla reductionis generalis concilii ad civitatem Tridentinam cum monitione & requisitione Prælatorum

Commentariorum de bello Germanico

Bestendige vnd warhafftige verantwortung

Warhaffte vnd gegründte Meldung vnd Anzeigen der geschwinden, tückischen, bösen Anschleg vnd Practick

Abtrucke der verwarungs schrifft, der Chur vnd Fürsten, auch Graffen, Herrn, Stette vnd Stende der Augspurgischen Confession

Recusationsschrifft

Beuelch, das Euangelion belangendt

Apologia, das ist, ein vertedigs rede Georgij Wicelij widder seine affterreder die Luteristen, mit sampt kurtzer abconterfeyung Luterischer secten, vnd preis alter Römischen Kirchen, nützlich zu lesen

Epistola ad Henricum VIII. Sept. 1, 1525

Ernstliche erbietung der Euangelische[n] Prediger an den gaystlichen Stand die yetzigen leer betreffend

Ain Gesprech von den Scheynwercken der Gaystlichen, vnd jren gelübdten

Appellation vnnd Beruffung der Prœbst vnnd des Augustiner Priors zu Nüremberg

Das hailig ewig wort gots

Contra Henricum Regem Angliae Martinus Luther

Eyn verstendig trostlich leer uber das wort

Predig Andresen Bodenstein von Carolstat tzu Wittenberg, Von empfahung des heyligen Sacraments

Argument disses biechleins

Ausslegung des hundert und neunten Psalms Dixit Dominus domino meo

Melliflui ac devotissimi patris beati Bernhardi primi abbatis Clarevallensis egregia omelia non solum fidei doctrina[m] sed vite quoq[ue] magisteriu[m] ac iuste co[n]versationis speculu[m]

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