In contact with numerous European intellectuals, he was actively involved and made his mark in the dissemination and propagation of early ideas of the Reformation and the Renaissance.

[2][4] His good knowledge of Greek and Latin allowed him to intervene directly and be consulted in case of printing disputes.

[15] Herwagen also had an interest in patristics and was one of the first publishers to print the Greek texts of certain Church Fathers, such as John Chrysostom.

[16] In 1538, he was involved in scandal after seducing Katherina Weckart, the wife of his stepson Erasmus Forben, who left him.

[2] Although he continued his activities and managed to return to Basel, this significantly slowed down his publishing endeavors.