37 pages • 1 hour read
Steven OzmentThe Burgermeister's Daughter: Scandal in a Sixteenth-Century German Town
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1996A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Bürgermeister’s Daughter by Steven Ozment narrates the tumultuous life of Anna Büschler, a compelling 16th-century woman from Schwäbisch Hall. The story reveals Anna's fierce disputes with her father, siblings, and local authorities, her love affairs, and her numerous legal struggles that ensued as she sought justice in a male-dominated society during the Protestant Reformation. Anna faced imprisonment, estrangement, and financial battles, emphasizing the harsh realities of defying societal norms at the time. Topics include imprisonment and familial conflict.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Burgermeister's Daughter by Steven Ozment skillfully narrates a gripping historical drama based on a true story, appreciated for its vivid portrayal of 16th-century German society. However, some readers find the detailed historical context occasionally overwhelming. Overall, the book is commended for its meticulous research and engaging storytelling.
Who Should Read The Burgermeister's Daughter?
History enthusiasts captivated by gender, society, and legal battles in early modern Europe will appreciate Steven Ozment's The Burgermeister's Daughter. Comparable to Natalie Zemon Davis's The Return of Martin Guerre, this book offers a vivid, detailed narrative for readers intrigued by real-life historical drama and social dynamics.