The Plowman from Bohemia

A complete illuminated manuscript in 64 full color plates



Johannes von Tepl (c.1350-c.1415) composed Der Ackermann aus B hmen (The Plowman from Bohemia) around 1401. It is considered one of the most important works of late medieval German literature. The poem's 34 short chapters are a dialogue between a plowman, whose beloved wife has recently died, and Death. In odd-numbered chapters the grieving plowman accuses Death for his loss, and in even-numbered chapters Death responds to the plowman's emotions with cold cynical logic. In the penultimate chapter God appears and adjudicates the dispute, reminding the plowman that he owes his life to God and reminding Death that he owes his powers to God. The final chapter is a prayer by the plowman for the soul of his wife. Sixteen manuscripts and 17 early printed editions of the work are preserved. The present manuscript was created around 1470 in the workshop of Ludwig Hennflin in Stuttgart. It is presently held by Heidelberg University Library.