New Edition of Hans Sachs’ Works to be Digitally Archived and Published
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A comprehensive new edition of the works of Hans Sachs, a prolific German Renaissance playwright, poet, and Meistersinger, is underway thanks to a 2.6 million euro grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG).The project, a collaboration between the University of Tübingen and the University of Bamberg, will create both a digital transcription accessible through the German Text Archive (DTA) and a printed edition accompanied by an online resource. The 7.5-year project aims to revitalize scholarly and public engagement with sachs’ extensive literary output.
A Deep Dive into Renaissance Drama and Culture
Hans Sachs (c. 1494 – 1576) was a hugely popular figure in 16th-century Germany, known for his Fastnachtsspiele (carnival plays), master songs (Meistergesänge), and numerous sayings. He authored an estimated 6,000 works,reflecting the social,religious,and intellectual currents of his time. This new edition seeks to establish a robust scientific foundation for researching Sachs’ theatrical work and its context within 16th-century culture, knowledge, and religious debates.
The project will focus on analyzing the material genesis of his works,his dramatic techniques (dramaturgy),and his poetic processes. Researchers anticipate that insights gained will benefit not only German studies but also fields like history, theology, and the history of knowledge. Understanding Sachs’ work provides a window into the everyday life, beliefs, and anxieties of people during a period of notable upheaval, including the reformation.
Funding and Collaboration
The DFG grant will be divided equally between the University of Tübingen and the University of Bamberg. The collaborative nature of the project will allow for a broader range of expertise and a more comprehensive approach to the edition. The digital component, hosted by the DTA, will ensure long-term accessibility and facilitate research for scholars worldwide. https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/programmes/index.html
Reviving a Renaissance Voice
Professor Elisabeth Busch of the University of Tübingen, a leading scholar of Hans Sachs, expressed her hope that the edition will restore Sachs’ literary importance to public awareness. She quoted Sachs’ customary closing to many of his texts – “So that no harm comes from this” – highlighting his desire for his work to be beneficial.
“We hope that the edition will help bring Sachs’ literary importance back into public awareness,” says busch. “Perhaps in the future more people will know the name Hans sachs, who wrote at the end of many of his texts: ‘So that no harm comes from this’ – that’s what Hans Sachs wishes for good night.”
Key Takeaways
* Comprehensive edition: A new, scholarly edition of Hans Sachs’ complete works is being created.
* Digital Accessibility: The edition will be digitally archived with the German Text Archive (DTA) for global access.
* Interdisciplinary Impact: Research stemming from the edition will benefit German studies, history, theology, and the history of knowledge.
* Significant Funding: The German Research Foundation (DFG) is providing 2.6 million euros for the 7.5-year project.
* collaborative Effort: The project is a joint undertaking by the University of Tübingen and the University of Bamberg.
This project represents a significant investment in understanding a pivotal figure of the German Renaissance. By making Sachs’ work more accessible and providing a solid scholarly foundation for its study, researchers aim to illuminate a crucial period in European history and culture and ensure Sachs’ legacy endures for generations to come.
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