Abstract This article focuses on the question of what enabled the careers of Leonhard Thurneysser and Georg am Wald, specifically in the second half of the 16th century. The author argues that it is Paracelsian influences that shaped these careers. After briefly outlining – first – Thurneysser’s career and – second – am Wald’s career, he will demonstrate how Paracelsus and his new medical doctrine – and even more so, his reputation – played a key role in making these careers possible. In a further step, the author will examine the same biographical elements in fictionalized accounts of healer figures, particularly Salomon Trismosin, Christian Rosenkreuz, and an anonymous Rosicrucian who was reported in Wetzlar in 1615. A comparative analysis of these biographies will reveal how the historical reputation of Paracelsus is reinterpreted in these fictional narratives. The aim is to highlight the framework within which these careers unfolded, reflecting the various ways in which they were shaped by Paracelsian thought.

Inhalt band 51, heft 1 Artikel Zukunftsermittlungen: prognostische Gattungen in der Frühen Neuzeit. Einleitung 1 Joana van de Löcht und Helge Perplies lieb und layd sind hie durch weben. Beginen und Begarden als Figuren der spielerischen Zukunftsprognostik 16 Björn Reich und Christoph Schanze Geschichte von ihrem Ende her denken. Ein jüdischer Prophet in Pamphilus Gengenbachs Der Nollhart 63 Andreas Berger Aus der Hand Gott(es) lesen. Andreas Gryphius als Chiromant 87 Conrad Fischer Texturen der Zukunft. Traumdeutung und Roman in Früher Neuzeit (Rabelais, Sorel, Grimmelshausen) 108 Paul Strohmaier Schauplätze des Künftigen. Zukunftsermittlungen in Schäferdichtung, geistlicher Lyrik und Trauerspiel des Barock 131 Luisa Drews, Patrick Hohlweck und Stefan Willer Zukunftsermittlung im Barockdrama. Von Träumen, Visionen und Prophezeiungen 171 Katharina Worms band 51, heft 2-3 Artikel "Damit siegt Hrabanus mühelos über Apelles". Johannes Reuchlins Interesse an den Figurengedichten von Hrabanus Maurus 199 Gábor Endrődi

Abstract This article deals with the different versions of the Losbuch der Beginen und Begarden. A comparative analysis of various selected parameters shows the ‘flexibility’ of the text and its illustrations. It is possible that its unique success – as confirmed by its broad tradition – is precisely due to its open structure. The exemplary observations in this article are imbedded in rather general thoughts on the genre ‘Losbuch’ (sortes).

Abstract After the Battle of White Mountain (November 8, 1620), a series of satirical propaganda writings were published against Frederick V of the Palatinate, who had triggered the Thirty Years’ War with his thoughtless takeover of the Bohemian crown. Several of these writings presented themselves as parodic letters of complaint from the ‘Winter King’ to opponents of the war or to (former) allies. In each case, the aim was to ridicule the young monarch’s military inexperience, political ignorance and grotesque hubris. There is a fictitious letter published in both a Latin (Supplex libellus) and German version (Aller vnderthenigiste Supplication) at the beginning of 1621, which was addressed to Emperor Ferdinand II. In complete misjudgment of the military and political situation, Frederick V strives for far-reaching compensation for the defeat he has suffered and has absurd visions in which he even sees himself as a future Roman King. This study first outlines the historical and publicistic context of the letters, then gives a brief summary and finally offers a comparative analysis of the two texts. It pursues a literary approach and investigates the extent to which the satirical intention of the anonymous authors is supported by the choice of letter fiction.

Abstract Since the middle of the 18th century, the epistolary form was increasingly used as a means of apologetics. Thereby, theologians reacted to the combination of fiction and philosophy, which gave unexpected success to religious criticism from Britain and France – especially to Voltaire. However, the alliance of apologetics and fine literature had limited viability and only lasted for about a generation. These circumstances will be demonstrated by analyzing Johann H. C. Zahn’s Letters to the Freethinkers (1764–1767) in their wider historical context.