The book begins with an introduction to Ancient Near Eastern perceptions of lunar and solar cycles and agricultural seasons, and an overview

Bornkamm, known for his theological interests, was prevented by death from producing the third volume of what he had begun (earlier than Brecht) as a massive three-volume study of Luther's career. Regarding Brecht's use of source materials, he points out that aside "from insignificant trivialities, every text [in the later volumes of the Weimarer Ausgabe] has been included in this presentation, although in different degree" (xii). But he also makes substantial use of the earlier volumes of WA, plus giving a considerable number of citations from various other collections of primary source materials. His huge section of endnote references (385-444) underscores the care with which he has worked. James Schaaf, the translator for the English edition, has given us an excellent rendition (approved by Brecht himself), but he has done much more. Painstakingly he has searched out in the 55-volume American edition of Luther's works all references that can be .matched with Brecht's citations of the WA, and has supplied them as supplements to the WA citations. Two indexes (a general index for this volume, 445-460; and a "Subject Index to Volumes 1-3," 461-511) conclude the volume. Further enhancement is achieved by inclusion of a section of twenty photographs between pp. 14 and 15, and fourteen other illustrations (generally woodcuts) placed appropriately throughout the volume. In every respect, this is a book that deserves to be widely read. And indeed, Brecht must be congratulated and thanked for his phenomenal achievement in producing the entire set of volumes.