Johann Jakob Bodmers anthologische Ausgaben des Codex Manesse (Zürich 1748; 1758/59)

Abstract J.J. Bodmer’s editions of the Codex Manesse (produced in Zurich around 1300) from 1748 and 1758/59 are examples of early modern German-language lyric anthologies. They lend themselves to discussing the central thesis of this volume, according to which early modern lyric anthologies were relevant for cultural-political interventions and consequently for canon-formation processes, insofar as – as will be shown – they exhibit a distinctly ideological-programmatic character. In order to work this out, Bodmer’s work will first be contextualized by examining his motivation for scrutinizing the German language, literature and culture of the Middle Ages as well as the historical images, discourse and thought traditions in which he was embedded. Bodmer’s editions are then examined with regard to their function and their significance in the history of reception.