Die "Allgemeine Weltbeschreibung" von Cosmus von Simmer (1581–1650): Zum Bestand und zum Wert eines vergessenen kosmografischen Werkes

Abstract

Cosmus von Simmer (1581–1650) was the author of a multivolume cosmographic work created by drawing not only on other texts but also on his own experiences gained during his travels, mainly in central Europe. The aim of this article is to organize and complete the existing knowledge of his cosmographic work, which has been considered lost for more than a century. Furthermore, the article aims to draw attention to the value of these manuscripts for the research of historians and literary scholars. Previous research carried out in the nineteenth century, on the basis of a small part of the work, is expanded by an analysis of the surviving volumes stored in various libraries in Poland and Germany today.