De Gruyter Erbauungsschrifttum: Sigmund von Birken Works

This double volume provides the first available access to the outstanding works of the prominent Nuremberg poet and literary manager Sigmund von Birken (1626-1681). These texts, preserved as autographs and never previously published in print, represent significant contributions to early modern devotional literature. The collection is noted for its precise argumentation and linguistic clarity. The content offers deep insights into theology and social history, particularly regarding how historical crisis phenomena such as the plague and comets were addressed during the period. These works set high standards for the emblematic practice of pietas, maintaining a consistent focus on everyday life connections. As part of the Neudrucke deutscher Literaturwerke series (N. F., 79-80), this publication is an essential resource for researchers and readers interested in the literary and religious history of the 17th century. The two-part structure includes both the primary texts and the necessary apparatus and commentaries to aid in deep study and understanding.