The Library
1780 works catalogued century by century, from the literature the Bible was written among to the present — each with a note on what it is, why it lasted, and where to read it.
401–500
1 work
c. 403–405
Latin
De Catechizandis Rudibus
Augustine of Hippo · 354–430
Practical advice to a deacon who found teaching beginners boring: how to tell the story from creation to the church, how long to take, and what to do when the listener looks tired.
801–900
1 work
c. 840–860
Latin
Haymo of Auxerre · d. c. 878
Commentaries on Paul, Isaiah, the Twelve Prophets, and Revelation, written for teaching rather than display — the fathers digested into a continuous plain exposition that a student could follow without a library behind him.
1501–1600
6 works
1529
German
Martin Luther · 1483–1546
The same material expounded at length for pastors and heads of households, opening with the claim that whatever your heart clings to is your god.
1529
German
Martin Luther · 1483–1546
The commandments, creed, Lord's Prayer, and sacraments explained in the simplest possible terms, each section beginning with the question: what does this mean?
1542, Latin 1545
French
John Calvin · 1509–1564
Instruction by question and answer, opening with the chief end of human life: to know God by whom we were created.
1555–1558, in three sizes
Latin
Peter Canisius · 1521–1597
Three catechisms for different ages, organised around wisdom and justice, and carefully phrased to answer Protestant teaching without naming it.
1563
German
Heidelberger Katechismus
Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus
A hundred and twenty-nine questions and answers arranged as guilt, grace, and gratitude — opening with what a person's only comfort in life and death is, and answering in the first person.
1566
Latin
Catechismus ex Decreto Concilii Tridentini
The commission of the Council of Trent
A catechism written for parish priests rather than children, expounding the creed, sacraments, commandments, and Lord's Prayer at length.
1601–1700
1 work
1647
English
The Westminster Assembly
A hundred and seven questions and answers, opening with the chief end of man: to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever.
9 of 1780 works