36 pages • 1 hour read
Richard M. WunderliPeasant Fires: The Drummer of Niklashausen
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1992A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Peasant Fires: The Drummer of Niklashausen by Richard M. Wunderli recounts the story of Hans Behem, a German peasant and musician who, in 1476, claimed to have visions of the Virgin Mary instructing him to urge pilgrims to visit her shrine in Niklashausen. Preaching against corrupt clerics and advocating for social equality, Behem's movement attracted many followers, leading to tension with church authorities, who ultimately executed him.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Richard M. Wunderli's Peasant Fires has received mixed reviews. Positively, it's praised for its engaging narrative and vivid portrayal of medieval folklore. However, critiques often mention its speculative approach and occasional lack of historical rigor. Overall, it offers a fascinating yet controversial glimpse into socio-religious dynamics of the era.
Who Should Read Peasant Fires?
A reader who enjoys Peasant Fires by Richard M. Wunderli would likely have an interest in medieval history, social movements, and religious phenomena. Fans of Barbara Tuchman's A Distant Mirror and Carlo Ginzburg's The Cheese and the Worms would appreciate this engaging exploration of a 15th-century peasant rebellion.