Diplomatie, politische Rede und juristische Praxis im 15. Jahrhundert

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This book explores the life and contributions of Johannes Hofmann von Lieser (Lysura) († 1459), a prominent figure and ally of Nicholas of Cusa, noted for his political verse. The thesis focuses on three main areas: First, it examines Lieser's diplomatic career, particularly his influence in German politics during the Council of Basle (1431-1447) and the “Reichsreform” in the 1450s, along with his role as a professor of Canon Law at the University of Louvain from 1456 to 1458. Second, it analyzes Lieser's political speeches delivered at the imperial diets of Regensburg and Frankfurt am Main (1454), focusing on the “Reichsreform” and the history of the Teutonic Order. The study contrasts two rhetorical approaches: that of German learned counsellors and the humanistic style exemplified by Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who revised one of Lieser's speeches. It also highlights how the dissemination of political texts in the fifteenth century was influenced by their effectiveness in oratory, as learned counsellors utilized these texts as professional speakers. Finally, the book presents Lieser's previously unknown legal work, analyzing several “consilia” and a “repetitio” to illustrate his role as a jurist and how this expertise enhances our understanding of learned counsellors as political figures.