Hans Folz
Hans Folz was a notable fifteenth-century poet and playwright hailing from Worms, Germany, with citizenship in Nuremberg from around 1459. Initially trained as a barber or surgeon, he developed a literary career without formal university education, instead spending time in France and Spain. Folz is recognized as the first publisher of German-language plays and contributed significantly to the genre of meistergesang, a form of lyrical poetry set to music, composing fourteen original pieces in this style.
His publications began in earnest in 1479 when he utilized his own printing press, although some works were available earlier. Throughout his career, Folz focused predominantly on religious themes, even producing poetry that criticized secular writers. However, his legacy is also marked by the production of anti-Semitic works, including the controversial piece "Jüdischer Wucher," released during a period of heightened anti-Semitism in Nuremberg, which culminated in the expulsion of Jews from the city shortly thereafter. Despite ceasing operations of his printing press in 1488, some of his anti-Semitic writings continued to circulate until 1491.
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Hans Folz
Writer
- Born: 1435-1440
- Birthplace: Worms, Germany
- Died: 1513
Biography
Hans Folz was a fifteenth century poet and playwright. His origins are obscure, but it is believed that Folz was born in Worms, Germany, sometime in the late 1430’s. He became a citizen of Nuremburg around 1459 after achieving the rank of master barber, or surgeon. Though he was educated and wrote both German and Latin, it does not appear that Folz ever attended a university. Instead, it seems that he spent time in France and Spain while while training as a barber. He set up his medical practice in Nuremburg, where he lived for the remainder of his life, marrying twice.
Folz is credited with being the first publisher of German-language plays. He also wrote poetry, composing in a particular style known as meistergesang or meisterlieder, which refers to a style of writing verse that is set to a specific kind of music. Folz created fourteen original meistergesang compositions in his lifetime. He began publishing his work for the public in 1479 using his own printing press, though certain pieces of his work did appear before this time. His work was largely religious in nature, and he even wrote poetry condemning secular writers. Folz also produced anti-Semitic works, the most notable of which is Jüdischer Wucher (Jewish usury). There was a rising tide of anti-Semitism in Nuremburg when this was published, and in fact the Jews were expelled from Nuremburg shortly thereafter. Folz discontinued use of his printing press in 1488, even though he was a popular and prolific author, but his anti-Semitic writings continued to appear as late as 1491.