Johann Adolf Köster (also Johannes Adolph Köster) (c. 1550 – 1630) was a pastor, teacher and historian in Büsum, Germany. He is better known by his Latin name Neocorus, under which he chronicled the medieval history of Dithmarschen.[1] The Neocorus School in Büsum was named in his honor in 1995.[2]
In addition to documenting historic events, Neocorus also wrote accounts of daily life in Dithmarschen during the late 16th century and collected local lore and anecdotes. For example, his chronicles contain a parallel to the story of the forest of Birnam.[3] Michelsen called Neocorus' chronicles the "best and richest of Holstein's chronicles".[4]
Neocorus' Chronik des Landes Dithmarschen was the basis for a 44-minute movie produced in Germany narrating the battle of the people of Dithmarschen for independence from Holstein and Denmark during the late Middle Ages.[5]
Notes and references
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- ^ Johann Adolfi, known as Neocorus: Chronik des Landes Dithmarschen. Aus der Urschrift herausgegeben; published by F. C. Dahlmann, Kiel University (2 volumes, Kiel, 1827).
- ^ Neocorus School, Büsum
- ^ The Forest of Birnam. Walter E. Roloff, Modern Language Notes, Vol. 21, No. 6 (Jun., 1906), p. 192
- ^ Reimer Witt on the reprint of Neocorus' chronicles in 1977
- ^ Die Schlacht bei Hemmingstedt - Freiheitskampf um Dithmarschen