Albrecht Classen Books

A considerable collection of German women's poetry in translation, results of ingenious archival research.

The Middle Ages were not only times of military conflicts, the formation of nations, and the rise of the Catholic Church, but also an era defined by profound exploration of what is magnificent and sublime in all aspects of life, including spirituality, aesthetics, architecture, ethics, religion, and philosophy. Rather than focusing extensively on historical events, as is done in many traditional textbooks on the Middle Ages, Medieval Answers to Modern Problems instead focuses on critical issues that have concerned people throughout time, and illustrates how studying the Middle Ages from an interdisciplinary perspective can shed light on contemporary efforts to deal with these issues. Topics covered in this book include the mind-body dichotomy, the relevance of the divine in material existence, interpretations of death and how to cope with death constructively, the pursuit of love in spiritual and earthly terms, and the ideals of honor. Initially the Middle Ages seem completely alien to modern ways of thinking, yet they still speak deeply to our need for both human and divine values, and inner growth. The broad range of documents presented in the book will challenge readers, provoke thought, and demonstrate just how much can be learned from the past.

Focusing on the legend of Charlemagne, this comprehensive survey explores its significance and evolution within the medieval German-speaking world. It delves into how Charlemagne's narrative influenced cultural identity, literature, and historical perceptions during that era, providing insights into the interplay between myth and history. The book examines various interpretations and representations of the legendary figure, highlighting his enduring impact on German cultural heritage.

A comparative study of medieval literature reveals shared fundamental ideas and concepts across the period. The concept of the trial serves as a crucial epistemological tool for protagonists, offering insights into the values and ideals prevalent in medieval society. This exploration deepens our understanding of the cultural and intellectual landscape of the time.

Focusing on literary narratives from the tenth to the fifteenth centuries, the book delves into the critical perspectives of writers who challenged the ruling class. It uncovers a pervasive distrust of kings and authority figures during the Middle Ages, highlighting how these narratives served as a platform for social commentary and dissent against power.

Exploring the influence of secret agents and beings in medieval literature, this book delves into how poets incorporated the concept of the "secret" into their works. It highlights the ways in which these hidden elements shaped human experiences and narratives, revealing a rich tapestry of alternative dimensions that permeate medieval texts.

Exploring the theme of wisdom, this study delves into medieval texts, including fables, verse narratives, and didactic tales, highlighting their enduring significance. It reveals how these literary works offer valuable insights for contemporary readers seeking truth and meaning in life. The book emphasizes the relevance of medieval literature in today's quest for understanding, showcasing its profound statements that resonate across time.

While modernists often assert that globalism began around 1800, this volume provides compelling evidence to the contrary through comparative and transdisciplinary studies. It presents innovative perspectives on overlooked literary, philosophical, historical, and medical documents, revealing that texts, images, ideas, knowledge, and objects were already migrating globally in the pre-modern era, albeit at a different quantitative level than in modern times. Global connections were established and sustained over centuries through translations and trade. Archetypal motifs across various literatures demonstrate the shared experiences of pre-modern societies. Additionally, the volume uncovers concrete instances of global economic exchange, the importation of exotic medicines, and vigorous intellectual debates on religious matters. Literary evidence highlights how interactions with foreign cultures were often envisioned, desired, and sometimes feared. The pre-modern world was dynamic, driven by curiosity, economic interests, and political or military motives. Diplomats traversed continents, while artists, poets, and craftsmen engaged in extensive travel. Notably, figures like the Vikings and Arabs emerged as global players long before modern globalism, suggesting a need to reevaluate traditional views on pre-modern worldviews, economic conditions, and global literary exchange, particularly as illustrated by the fable genre.

Frauenstimmen und Frauentexte der mittelalterlichen und frühneuzeitlichen deutschen Literaturgeschichte sind hier zum erstenmal teils in Übersetzung, teils in vorsichtiger Anpassung an das Neuhochdeutsche in einem akademischen Lesebuch vereinigt. Viele der Texte sind bis heute noch nicht ediert worden und stellen Neufunde dar. Die Zahl von Frauendichtungen des Mittelalters, der Reformationszeit und des Barocks erweist sich als überraschend groß. Für jede Dichterin bzw. Textgruppe gibt es eine auf dem neuesten Forschungsstand beruhende biographisch-interpretative Einführung. Leitfragen schlagen dem Leser Richtungen vor, nach welchen Kriterien die Texte zu analysieren sind.

Im späten 13. Jahrhundert schuf ein anonymer mittelhochdeutscher Dichter den höfischen Versroman Mai und Beaflor. Er hat bis heute nicht die ihm angemessene Aufmerksamkeit und Anerkennung der Forschung gefunden, obwohl der Text zahlreiche spannende Themen wie das zwischenmenschliche Beziehungsgeflecht, extreme Gefühlsempfindungen, schwierige juristische Probleme und religiöse Konflikte behandelt. Mai und Beaflor gehört zu den Versromanen des späten 13. Jahrhunderts, die zwar stark sentimental gestaltet sind, die aber einen eigenständigen Charakter besitzen und aus ästhetischer und ethischer Sicht nicht mit den «klassischen» mittelhochdeutschen Romanen zu vergleichen sind, da sie von anderen Idealen und Werten getragen werden. In dieser Arbeit wird dieser Text endlich wieder der Forschung zur Verfügung gestellt und für diejenigen, die des Mittelhochdeutschen nicht mächtig sind, ins Neuhochdeutsche übersetzt.