Description
Discover the fascinating world of “The Kingdom of the Minstrels”, a comprehensive work that sheds light on the organization and life of Alsatian minstrels between the late Middle Ages and the French Revolution. Written by Hartwig Büsemeyer, this book takes the reader deep into the cultural and social history of this unique profession.
Immerse yourself in the kingdom of minstrels
“Minstrels and rags – grow on a stump”, says a contemporary proverb. The medieval minstrels were both: welcome and popular entertainers and social outsiders whose lifestyle people tended to view with disgust. Their mobility and their unsteady wandering life stood in stark contrast to a well-ordered world determined by sedentariness, the hierarchy of estates and guild obligations.
Founding and protecting a unique brotherhood
In the 14th century, Alsatian minstrels joined together in a large regional professional association. The kingdom of the minstrels was under the protection of the powerful Lord of Rappoltstein, to whom the minstrels were liable to pay taxes and who, in return, undertook to look after their interests and protect them against encroachments from outside. In order to reconcile themselves with the church, they chose Mary as their patron saint and gathered in her honor every year on Piper’s Day.
The role of the piper king
At the head of the kingdom was the piper king: his task was to keep order among the colorful crowd of musicians and to ensure that the guild rules were observed. He was also the supreme ruler of the pipers’ court, a separate jurisdiction of which the minstrels were particularly proud.
Historical depth and a broad audience
In “The Kingdom of Minstrels”, Hartwig Büsemeyer presents the history of the brotherhood of Alsatian minstrels over the entire period of its history – from the end of the 14th century to the French Revolution. His work focused on researching the small-scale life and everyday culture of minstrels. With the help of previously unpublished sources from the archives of Colmar and Strasbourg, the author was able to describe in great detail the reasons that led to the slow decline and dissolution of the brotherhood.
A scientific treasure trove and living history
The book “The Kingdom of Minstrels” is not aimed at specialists, but should also be understandable for those who have no specialist knowledge. However, this requirement made an introduction to the topic unavoidable, because without a detailed explanation of the legal and social position of medieval minstrels, the various possibilities for professional and social advancement of individual members of this occupational group could hardly be made plausible. The author therefore wanted to avoid an isolated portrayal of the minstrels in their living and working environment and deliberately tried to integrate them into the history of Alsace. The numerous illustrations are intended to clarify what has been said in the text.
Get the story of the minstrels
“The Kingdom of Minstrels” by Hartwig Büsemeyer offers a comprehensive and in-depth portrayal of the Alsatian minstrels and their extraordinary way of life. The combination of meticulous research and lively narrative creates a work that is both historically informed and widely accessible. Experience the fascinating world of medieval entertainers, their social role and the challenges they had to face. This book is a must for anyone interested in history and music. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain deep insights into an almost forgotten era.
