Neocorus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Johann Adolf Köster (also Johannes Adolph Köster) (c.1550 - 1630), was a pastor, teacher and historian in Büsum, Germany. He is better known by his Latin name Neocorus, under which he chronicled the medieval history of Dithmarschen.[1] The Neocorus School in Büsum was named in his honor in 1995.[2]

In addition to documenting historic events, Neocorus also wrote accounts of daily life in Dithmarschen during the late 16th century and collected local lore and anecdotes. For example, his chronicles contain a parallel to the story of the forest of Birnam.[3] Michelsen called Neocorus' chronicles the "best and richest of Holstein's chronicles".[4]

Neocorus' Chronik des Landes Dithmarschen was the basis for a 44 minute movie produced in Germany narrating the battle of the people of Dithmarschen for independence from Holstein and Denmark during the late Middle Ages.[5]

[edit] Notes and references

  1. ^ Johann Adolfi, known as Neocorus: Chronik des Landes Dithmarschen: aus der Urschrift; published by F. C. Dahlmann, Kiel University (1827).
  2. ^ Neocorus School, Büsum
  3. ^ The Forest of Birnam. Walter E. Roloff, Modern Language Notes, Vol. 21, No. 6 (Jun., 1906), p. 192
  4. ^ Reimer Witt on the reprint of Neocorus' chronicles in 1977
  5. ^ Die Schlacht bei Hemmingstedt - Freiheitskampf um Dithmarschen