Das Neue Testament 1947 - Luther Bible - American Occupation Zone Germany - Stuttgart

A special German Luther Bible from the first years after the Second World War. This pocket edition of the New Testament was printed in January 1947 by the Privilegierte Württembergische Bibelanstalt in Stuttgart, which at the time was within the American occupation zone of Germany.

The edition bears the US-W-1111 permit number from the Nachrichtenkontrolle der Militärregierung. Furthermore, the imprint states that the production was made possible by a material contribution from the American Bible Society in New York. Thus, the book forms a tangible document from the period in which the German publishing world and religious life began to rebuild themselves shortly after the war.

The text follows Martin Luther's German translation and is printed in Fraktur script. The compact book is bound in black linen with a simple gold-colored cross on the front cover, gold-colored spine lettering, and a striking red edge.

The print run of 400,000 copies does not make this edition rare in itself. However, the clear mention of the American military permit and the contribution of the American Bible Society give the book an interesting historical context that goes beyond its religious function.

Specifications:

• Title: Das Neue Testament unsers Herrn und Heilandes Jesu Christi
• Translation: Martin Luther
• Publisher: Privilegierte Württembergische Bibelanstalt
• Place: Stuttgart, Germany
• Year: January 1947
• Edition: Taschen-Ausgabe
• Permit: US-W-1111, Nachrichtenkontrolle der Militärregierung
• Contribution: American Bible Society, New York
• Print run: 400,000 copies
• Language: German
• Script: Fraktur
• Binding: black linen
• Decoration: gold-colored cross and spine lettering
• Page edges: red
• Height: approx. 15.5 cm
• Thickness: approx. 2 cm
  
• Condition: good vintage condition with signs of wear on the binding; interior well preserved