Dictionary of Literary Biography: German Writers and Works of the Middle Ages 1170-1280

The manuscripts studied in DLB Volume 138 are from a time when biography-as we know it today-simply did not exist. Medieval literature was created by a culture that held firmly to traditional and communal thought. As such, literature celebrating the lives of heros and legendary figures and great events in the lives of emperors and kings is commonplace while other more objective accounts of an individual's existence is scarce. This volume covers important authors and lesser-known writers, as well as anonymous works that were composed between 1170 and 1280. Because little is known about authors during this time period, entries on writers concentrate on their works, giving readers an idea of the writers' atmosphere, language and significance. Entries dealing with anonymous works provide the approximate date of composition and the writer's or work's place in the literary history of the period. 23 WRITER ENTRIES INCLUDE: Konrad Fleck, Heinrich von Veldeke, Der Pleier, Der Stricker, Ulrich von Liechtenstein, Ulrich von Zatzikhoven, plus nine entries featuring significant works from the period.