Paul Gerhardt ohne Legende

Why write a book on the social environment of Paul Gerhardt? In 2007, on the 400th anniversary of his birth year, many books on his life and songs were published, but none on the addressees of his songs. Interpretations have thus remained preconceptions, speculations and legends. It is the aim of this volume to present a comprehensive picture of those to whom Paul Gerhardt's songs were addressed. Furthermore, a portrayal of the structures of his parishes has been made possible through a detailed study of the Old Berlin parish registers from 1580 to 1680. The volume also includes a detailed description of religious colloquys held in Berlin in 1662, revealing many legends to be untrue. Building on these studies, it is possible to draw an accurate picture of the life and work as well as the character of Paul Gerhardt. German text.