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.

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.

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

- Steven Ozment, an esteemed historian, uses the true story of Anna Büschler in The Burgermeister's Daughter to explore themes of gender, power, and family dynamics in sixteenth-century Germany.
- The book provides unique insights into the Protestant Reformation's impact on personal lives, showcasing how societal changes dramatically affected individuals, particularly women.
- The Burgermeister's Daughter illuminates the historical context of legal systems in early modern Europe, detailing how family disputes were often entangled with local politics and social status.

Steven Ozment

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Burgermeister's Daughter and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Burgermeister's Daughter Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 The Burgermeister's Daughter Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2 The Burgermeister's Daughter Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3 The Burgermeister's Daughter Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 The Burgermeister's Daughter Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 The Burgermeister's Daughter Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 6 The Burgermeister's Daughter Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 7 The Burgermeister's Daughter Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

The Burgermeister's Daughter Key Figures

theme

Themes

The Burgermeister's Daughter Themes

Index of Terms

The Burgermeister's Daughter Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

The Burgermeister's Daughter Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Burgermeister's Daughter Essay Topics

The Burgermeister's Daughter: Scandal in a Sixteenth-Century German Town

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Burgermeister's Daughter?

Reading Age

Book Details