Summary: This is an early Italian response to Martin Luther, attacking the schismatic monk on his own terms, in the vernacular for the benefit of laymen or simplici, as advertised on the title-page. The work is quite broad in its criticism and aims to refute not only Luther and his followers, but all heretics and even Jews. On the final leaf of text, following the colophon the list of errata, we find a curious addition perhaps intended to be removed from the book and used separately: a "song" satirically composed by "several of Luther's friends in praise of him" [Alcuni amici de Martin Luthero in laude sua cantano], beginning "Te Lutherum damnamus". Evidently a parody of the Te Deum, Fano's hymn condemning Luther to Hell was in fact subsequently set to music by a certain Maistre Jhan (ca. 1485-1538).
Signatures: [maltese cross]⁴ A-N⁸ (N8 verso blank). Errors in foliation: leaves 17, 101, 103 misnumbered 71, 103, 101.
Illustrative and Decorative Content: Woodcut initials. Title within architectural woodcut border.
Imprint: Place of publication and printer statement from colophon (N7 recto): Giovan Battista Phaello bolognese in Bologna Jmpresse. L'anno del Signore M.D.xxxij. del Mese di Settembre.