Friedrich Taubmann

Taubmann, Friedrich (Wonsees, 1565-1613, Wittenberg), neo-Latin poet and classical philologist, born the son of a shoemaker. Supported by the Margrave of Ansbach, he studied at Wittenberg University where he later became professor and published his editions of Latin authors. Among his pupils was A. Buchner. His Melodaesia sive Epulum Musaeum, which included religious and satirical writing, appeared in 1597. His ready wit made him welcome at the Dresden court, where he filled the role of the learned ‘court fool’ or ‘Kurtzweiliger Rath’. His anecdotes and witticisms were finally collected in Taubmanniana, first published in 1702.