This book gives some interesting insights into merchant class life in Germany at the time. Balthasar is a merchant in Nuremberg who makes regular trips to Italy to purchase fabrics, wines and other merchandise, to the Frankfurt fair to sell and to various hot springs for his health. His wife Magdalena mostly stays at home except for visits to family members in other towns, but she not a mere housewife. She distributes merchandise, including judging the quality of wine to be sold, collects moneys owed and communicates with other members of the family business. The letters between the couple are partly business, partly personal news of family and neighbors, suggestions about items to purchase and admonitions to eat right, travel carefully and return as soon as practical. I was most surprised to learn that after the death of their 10 year old son, Magdalena was able to order an autopsy, apparently on her own authority as her husband was traveling. I had no idea that autopsies were legal or routine at the time. The editor, Steven Ozment, a specialist in Reformation era history at Harvard, interlaces the letters with commentary on the customs, religion and history of the period. Very interesting.

Mid 16th C The courtship, marriage and lives of two middle class Nuremberg townsfolk. Gives a good idea of the equality of their relationship and a lot of 'general detail' into their daily lives. ( )