The Autobiography of Sir Götz von Berlichingen

by Götz von Berlichingen

Gottfried "Götz" von Berlichingen, the Knight of the Iron Hand, was one of the last great medieval knights of history. Born in the year 1480, Götz came of age in an era of great change, both in his native German lands and the wider world. The Reformation would fundamentally change the landscape of political power in Europe, and the ensuing wars would tear the continent apart. Yet, for a time, Götz' world remained true to its feudal history, and Götz himself participated in many feuds and conflicts. 




A good friend and a terrible enemy, Götz recalls how he fought and struggled in the internal politics of Germany, which pitted princes and lords against one another over land, titles, and wealth. He crosses paths (and sometimes swords) with other famous knights, esteemed princes, and, on more than one occasion, with the Holy Roman Emperor himself. Campaigning with the Imperial army abroad in France, Switzerland, and Hungary, he often survived on nothing more than his wits and his prowess in battle. His legacy as a folk hero lived on long after his death, inspiring Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to write a play based on his life, and becoming the namesake of the 17th SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Götz von Berlichingen" in the Second World War. Before his death Götz von Berlichingen wrote down his unique story in an autobiographical account of one of Europe's most notable medieval knights.




Translated from the original 1567 manuscript, Antelope Hill is proud to present The Autobiography of Sir Götz von Berlichingen, available for the first time ever to the English reader. Although politics and military technology may have changed since the time of this famous knight, one thing remains the same, that honor, bravery, and loyalty count for much, even for a man of humble beginnings.

Genres: History, Medieval, Germany

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1567

About the author

Gottfried "Götz" von Berlichingen (1480 – 23 July 1562), also known as Götz of the Iron Hand, was a German (Franconian) Imperial Knight (Reichsritter), mercenary, and poet. He was born around 1480 into the noble family of Berlichingen in modern-day Württemberg. Götz bought Hornberg castle (Neckarzimmern) in 1517, and lived there until his death in 1562.

He was active in numerous campaigns during a period of 47 years (1498–1544), including the German Peasants' War, besides numerous feuds; in his autobiography he estimates that he fought 15 feuds in his own name, besides many cases where he lent assistance to friends, including feuds against the cities of Cologne, Ulm, Augsburg and the Swabian League, as well as the bishop of Bamberg.

His name became famous as a euphemism for a vulgar expression (Er kann mich im Arsche lecken – "He can lick my ass") attributed to him by writer and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832), who wrote a play based on his life.

Reviews

[Nick John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say the coolest part about this book was that it was written by someone from that era of the HRE. I feel as though that period is little taught about these days and so to hear from a knight in that period, living it, it's exceptional. Götz himself as knight is also a very interesting man of history. Somewhat seems to be in the truest sense of the phrase, "a product of his time". Great, guick read with an awesome insight into European history.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

The astute weeb will note that the author of this account, a 16th century knight with a prosthetic hand, serves as the inspiration for the protagonist of the manga Berserk. Any similarities stop there.

Gotz's account stands immediately before pivotal point in history: gunpowder will soon make knights obsolete and the reformation will soon lead to the wars of religion. The squabbles and feuds detailed here, however, prove mostly medieval, and the looming upending of societal structures are just barely coming into focus. Curiously, there is subtext strongly suggesting he became a protestant at some point. Mostly an apologia for his failures and slanders against him, it is a series of vignettes in which a chivalric code of honor and convoluted loyalties bleed through.

Moritz's translation wonderfully keeps all titles and names in the original German, lending a wonderful sense of place to the account in a field that otherwise Anglicizes them all. The presence of footnotes here, rather than endnotes, is likewise much appreciated, though one error at the end stating Kaiser Karl V led Imperial forces in the 30 years war makes me question the accuracy of the preceding footnotes I know less about.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and interesting read, giving a glimpse into the mind of a knight living in the 16th century. Throughout the book Gotz proves to be a man of honor and loyalty, who lives a life centered on his faith.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing first-hand snapshot into the life of a Ritter during tumultuous times. Societal and cultural norms of a different era that are hard to image being applied today with all of our centralized governing organizations.

[Slats Toole · Rating 3 out of 5]

what a wild ride

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

His hand was mangled in battle when grape shot shattered his sword. He had a mechanical hand made to continue his career as a knight. He also coined the phrase "Lick my a**". The rest of his story is only of interest to the most dedicated of German historians. Not bad but although it is short it is not as humorous as I had hoped.