Joseph Maria Christoph Freiherr von Laßberg (1770-1855) was a German scholar, bibliophile, and literary
collector who played a significant role in the cultural and intellectual life of the early 19th century. Born in
Donaueschingen, Laßberg was educated in law and cameralism at the Universities of Straßburg and Freiburg and
pursued a successful career in service of the House of Fürstenberg (Bader 1955, Graf
2010, Schupp 1982, Sprague 2011). However, in the wake of the loss of sovereignty
sealed at the Congress of Vienna, the mediatised nobility compensated, among other things, through an increased
interest in the Middle Ages, which they romantically idealized as a better time. Thus, many aristocratic
scholars attempted to collect and study medieval artifacts and united several medievalist disciplines into a
politically connoted patriotic archaeology, in service of the noble interests. From then on, the efforts of the
lower nobility's scholarship were directed towards the exploration of medieval writings and other remains of
that era (Graf 2010, Schupp 2006). This explains Laßberg deep interest in the study of
medieval literature. Indeed, he dedicated much of his resources to collecting and studying manuscripts, books,
and other historical artifacts. His private library, today scattered, comprised over 10,000 volumes and included
many medieval manuscripts, which he acquired from various monastic libraries and
private collections (Bothien 2001, Gantert 2001, Obhof
2001, Obhof 2005, Schupp 2002, Schupp
1993, Weidhase 2002).
Laßberg's scholarly pursuits focused primarily on German medieval literature, and his efforts to preserve,
edit, and disseminate these works had a long lasting impact on the emerging field of Medieval Studies in Germany. By sharing his extensive
collection, he facilitated the study and dissemination of medieval literature, contributing significantly to the
development and growth of Medieval Studies during the 19th century. Thus, it is not surprising, that his
correspondence, Harris 1991) unveils an extensive network of
distinguished scholars, writers, and cultural figures of his time. His letters offer a rare insight
into a dynamic and influential intellectual community that contributed significantly to the development of
German Romanticism and the resurgence of interest in the nation's presumed medieval past.
