German and Latin News Reports for the Frankfurt and Leipzig Fairs 1576 - 1806: A History of an Early Modern Periodical Medium on the Basis of a thoroughly Describing and Commenting Bibliography

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Holger Böning
• Subject Area: Early Modern History ; German Literary and Cultural Studies (Modern German Literature)
• Term: from 2011 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 198241330

Messrelationen were semestral or trimestral news reports published for the (book) fairs from 1588 (predecessors from 1576) to 1806 continually. So they are the earliest periodical media in German but for the calendars. In spite of their long life they are widely unknown. The project is describing all German and Latin Messrelationen with respect to their bibliographical data and contents. On the basis of this work a monographic study is being elaborated which will also contain a thoroughly describing bibliography. In the course of this work, the common knowledge about these periodicals has substantially been increased and modified. The study reveals the rivalry of several publishing houses with respect to Messrelationen as well as their failure in several cases. Besides, the thesis concerning the impartiality of Messrelationen can now be repudiated on the basis of our scrutiny.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants