DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.74283#0013
PREFACE
MY first studies of the Nuremberg carnival grew out of an
interest in the origins of the theatre in Germany. In this connec-
tion, Professor Max Herrmann, of the University of Berlin, sug-
gested that a key to the problem might be found in the Schem-
bartlauj. In a paper presented for membership in the Institut fur
Theaterwissenschaft I examined the chronicles of the festival with
regard to their importance for the history of the theatre. These
beginnings were developed under the supervision of Professor
Robert Herndon Fife, who, realizing the possibilities in the sub-
ject, stimulated me to publish a preliminary article on the Schem-
bart MSS and to continue further research into their contents. For
his clear-sighted criticism, which has been a constant guide in the
shaping of this work and in bringing it to a conclusion, I wish to
express my sincerest gratitude.
I have been greatly aided by the courtesies extended to me
on the part of officials of the libraries in which the MSS and
related material are available; the libraries are noted in the
appended catalogue of MSS. Special acknowledgement is due the
directors of the Nuremberg Stadtbibliothek for permission to
photograph and reproduce a manuscript in their collection. Partic-
ularly Dr. Karl Fischer of the library staff facilitated my work
at the Stadtbibliothek. The reproductions of miniatures presented
here are from photostats of the MS made by Hans Weiherer, of
the Nuremberg Hochbauamt.
My indebtedness to scholars whose researches in related fields
have lighted my path and revealed new vistas to me will be evident
from the frequent references to their works in the notes. The more
personal assistance of others has helped to give direction to my
investigation. The late Theodor Hampe, formerly director of the
Germanisches Nationalmuseum, made several valuable sugges-
tions on the basis of data in his files. Professor Fritz Briiggemann,
of Kiel University, discussed the character of the Schembart
books with me and generously permitted me to examine his un-
[vii]
MY first studies of the Nuremberg carnival grew out of an
interest in the origins of the theatre in Germany. In this connec-
tion, Professor Max Herrmann, of the University of Berlin, sug-
gested that a key to the problem might be found in the Schem-
bartlauj. In a paper presented for membership in the Institut fur
Theaterwissenschaft I examined the chronicles of the festival with
regard to their importance for the history of the theatre. These
beginnings were developed under the supervision of Professor
Robert Herndon Fife, who, realizing the possibilities in the sub-
ject, stimulated me to publish a preliminary article on the Schem-
bart MSS and to continue further research into their contents. For
his clear-sighted criticism, which has been a constant guide in the
shaping of this work and in bringing it to a conclusion, I wish to
express my sincerest gratitude.
I have been greatly aided by the courtesies extended to me
on the part of officials of the libraries in which the MSS and
related material are available; the libraries are noted in the
appended catalogue of MSS. Special acknowledgement is due the
directors of the Nuremberg Stadtbibliothek for permission to
photograph and reproduce a manuscript in their collection. Partic-
ularly Dr. Karl Fischer of the library staff facilitated my work
at the Stadtbibliothek. The reproductions of miniatures presented
here are from photostats of the MS made by Hans Weiherer, of
the Nuremberg Hochbauamt.
My indebtedness to scholars whose researches in related fields
have lighted my path and revealed new vistas to me will be evident
from the frequent references to their works in the notes. The more
personal assistance of others has helped to give direction to my
investigation. The late Theodor Hampe, formerly director of the
Germanisches Nationalmuseum, made several valuable sugges-
tions on the basis of data in his files. Professor Fritz Briiggemann,
of Kiel University, discussed the character of the Schembart
books with me and generously permitted me to examine his un-
[vii]