The library of the Institutum Judaicum et Muhammedicum in Halle. By Daniel Haas
Channel: Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
Date: 14/08/2022

Book donations as “Reich-Gottes-Arbeit”: The library of the Institutum Judaicum et Muhammedicum in Halle

One characteristic of Halle Pietism is the extensive networking of its actors. Studies on the topic usually focus on correspondence and donation flows within the Pietist network. However, the circulation of printed books and manuscripts also document the connectedness of the Pietists, as will be illustrated by the example of the library of the so-called Institutum Judaicum et Muhammedicum (1728-1729). This institute and its attached print shop was founded by the Hallesian professor Johann Heinrich Callenberg for the missionary work among Jews, Muslims and Oriental Christians. The library of the institute was not only enlarged by purchases, but substantially also by donations from an international circle of supporters. The main thesis of the presentation will be that the provision of prints and manuscripts for the library, in addition to financial and non-material support, can be understood as active participation in the Pietist’s work for the Kingdom of God.

Daniel Haas is a research associate at the Research Training Group "Interconfessionality in the Early Modern Period", University of Hamburg.