Early Modern Oels and the Singularities of Local History*

Abstract

The article explores the local history of the Silesian city of Oels as presented in selected early modern books and pamphlets published primarily in the local print shop, but also in other cities. A prominent example of such a historical event is the 1535 tempest, descriptions of which were published in its immediate aftermath. The much-later Beschreibung of 1657 is presented as an example of creating local identity through emphasizing two cultural aspects linked to the event: the alleged nefarious role of the Jewish community and the special relationship of the local citizens with the dukes of, at first, the Podebrad, and later the Württemberg families. Although natural disasters are repetitive occurrences, the 1535 tempest was understood by the people of Oels in a singular manner, which was characteristic for the local context. The thesis about the singularity of the local history is further corroborated through a number of examples from Oels. Different aspects of singularity dominate in different publications depicting local events: the singularity of situations, people and places.