The Use of Patristic Anthologies in the Construction of Early Lutheran Orthodoxy: The Case of Hermann Hamelmann

With their highly selective choice of excerpts, patristic anthologies played a major role in shaping the early modern confessional debate. They were more easily diffused and read than the complete editions of the Fathers. My paper explores their diffusion in print and the role of the Greek Fathers in the Lutheran Latin controversies during the second half of the century, focusing on the activity of Herman Hamelmann (1526–1595). His handling of Greek Fathers in the many controversies with Protestant and Catholic adversaries are of the utmost interest in terms of editorial strategy, historical arguments, and marketing results.