Adam Haslmayr’s Antwort to the Fama Fraternitatis holds a special place in the history of the early Rosicrucian movement, widely believed to have been printed in 1612 at the secret press of Prince August of Anhalt in Plötzkau. However, after over a decade of careful research, I’ve come across evidence that challenges this long-accepted narrative.
Through the painstaking collection and analysis of 400 examples, compiled by myself and fellow researcher Mary Beth we’ve identified that the woodblock carvings in Haslmayr’s Antwort bear identical damage marks to those found in publications printed as much as twelve years earlier. This suggests that the document may not have been printed at Plötzkau, as traditionally thought, but rather at a different, potentially more established print shop.
While this discovery is intriguing, I recognize that I am just one researcher, and the implications of this find deserve the scrutiny and expertise of the academic community. I humbly invite historians, scholars of early modern print culture, and experts in Rosicrucian studies to collaborate or offer guidance on this matter. Your insights and expertise could be invaluable in reassessing the origins of this important document and understanding its true place in history.
If you’re interested in learning more or contributing to this ongoing investigation, please watch the accompanying video where I delve into the details of my findings.
Thank you for your consideration and support in this endeavor.
Adam Hasselmeyer
Trail of the Green Man 