Sebastian Brant facts for kids
Sebastian Brant (born 1457 or 1458 – died 1521) was a German writer. He was a humanist, which means he studied human culture, history, and philosophy. He was also a satirist, someone who uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people's foolishness or problems in society. He is most famous for his satirical book called Das Narrenschiff (which means The Ship of Fools).
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Sebastian Brant was born in Strasbourg around 1457 or 1458. His father was an innkeeper. In 1475, Sebastian started studying at the University of Basel. He first studied philosophy and then switched to law. He learned Latin from a good teacher.
He earned his first law degree in 1477 or 1478. By 1483, he began teaching at the university. He finished his highest law degree, a doctorate, in 1489. He studied both church law and civil law.
His Work and Career
Brant first became known for his Latin poems. But he soon realized that not many people could read Latin. So, he started translating his own poems and others' Latin poems into German. He worked with his friend, a printer named Johann Bergmann von Olpe.
The Ship of Fools
His most famous German book, Das Narrenschiff (The Ship of Fools), was published in 1494. This book was very popular in Germany and beyond. It is an allegory, which means it uses a story with symbols to teach a lesson. In the book, a ship full of foolish people sails to a place called Narragonia, which is a paradise for fools. Brant used this story to point out the weaknesses and bad habits of people in his time. He even invented a character called Saint Grobian, who he imagined as the patron saint of rude and clumsy people.
Working with Printers
Brant also worked with other important printers like Johann Amerbach and Johann Froben. He helped them publish books by famous Christian writers like Augustine and Ambrose. He also worked on legal books. Between 1488 and 1501, he worked on many books, helping to publish them.
Public Service in Strasbourg
In 1500, Brant moved back to Strasbourg. He became a syndic, an important public official. In 1501, he took on the role of chancellor, which was a very powerful position in the city. Because of his public duties, he had less time for writing books.
In 1502, Emperor Maximilian I made him an Imperial Councilor. He also became a Count Palatine and later a judge for the Imperial Court.
Brant was a Catholic, but he was fair to Protestants. He allowed them to preach and publish books in Strasbourg while he was chancellor. He also translated other important works into German, like the Hortulus Animae and a book by Petrarch.
His Views and Beliefs
Brant was very concerned about the Ottoman Empire expanding into Europe. He asked Emperor Maximilian to fight back against them to protect the West. He also praised Ferdinand II of Aragon for defeating the Moors and uniting Spain. Brant strongly believed in German national pride and thought that people needed to improve their morals to keep the Empire safe.
Even though he was traditional in his religious beliefs, Brant saw problems within the church. His book Narrenschiff was very influential. Other writers, like Alexander Barclay in England, wrote their own versions of The Ship of Fools.
Brant also put together a collection of fables and stories called Aesopi Appologi in 1501. He improved the Latin text and added his own witty comments. The second part of this book included riddles, more fables, and stories about miracles and wonders.
Brant wrote letters to many important people of his time, including Emperor Maximilian and other famous scholars and writers.
Personal Life
In 1485, Sebastian Brant married Elisabeth Bürg. They had seven children. Two of his children's godfathers were the famous printers Johann Amerbach and Johann Froben.
Brant wanted his oldest son, Onophrius, to become a humanist like him. He taught Onophrius Latin from a very young age and enrolled him in the university when he was only seven. Onophrius later studied law and worked in public service in Strasbourg. Brant's daughter, Anna, married Paul Butz, who took over Sebastian Brant's job after him.
Images for kids
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Woodcut from Das Narrenschiff
See also
In Spanish: Sebastian Brant para niños
