37 pages • 1 hour read
The Burgermeister's Daughter: Scandal in a Sixteenth-Century German Town
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
256
Biography • Nonfiction
Germany • 16th Century
1996
Adult
18+ years
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.
Informative
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Contemplative
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.
Anna Büschler
Anna Büschler
The strong-willed daughter of Hermann Büschler, known for her tumultuous personal relationships and legal battles. Her life serves as a focal point in the narrative set against the backdrop of 16th-century Germany.
Hermann Büschler
Hermann Büschler
A five-time bürgermeister of Hall known for advocating for social justice in the city. His complex and contentious relationship with his daughter Anna is a major element of the story.
256
Biography • Nonfiction
Germany • 16th Century
1996
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.