Unveiling 55 significant milestones that shaped Upper Franconia: an unexplored territory like no other
In the picturesque region of Upper Franconia, a captivating journey through history unfolds, as documented in the book "55 Milestones of History in Upper Franconia" by author Reinhard Kalb and photographer Tilman Grewe. This book, published by Sutton Verlag, is a testament to the rich heritage and groundbreaking innovations that have shaped the region.
The book takes readers on a tour of museums, regions, and the lives of inventors, showcasing the significant role played by the small village of Wurlitz, located in Franconian Vogtland. Hans Vogt, a native of Wurlitz, made a remarkable contribution to the development of today's film. Alongside inventors Joseph Masolle and Joseph Benedict Engl, Vogt founded the company Tri-Ergon, which presented the first light-toned performance in a Berlin cinema around 1922.
The light-toned technique, though innovative, did not guarantee Vogt's success. He eventually sold his technology for a modest sum to Hollywood producer William Fox, who found great success with this method and established sound film. Wurlitz, however, remains celebrated as the birthplace of the Wurlitzer Jukebox and Wurlitzer organ.
The book also sheds light on the darker chapters of Upper Franconia's past. The city of Bamberg experienced three waves of witch hunts between 1612 and 1631, driven by a misogynistic ideology that saw many women falsely accused and persecuted for various disasters and misfortunes. This tragic period forms part of a larger historical context in Germany where similar atrocities occurred.
In addition to Erika Fuchs, a translator honored in the book for her work at the Comic Museum in Schwarzenbach an der Saale, other individuals, places, and events that have shaped Upper Franconia are highlighted throughout the book. The author, Reinhard Kalb, is a freelance journalist with expertise in art history, German studies, and theater science, while Tilman Grewe, a local editor and freelance photographer, is responsible for the book's illustrations.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to delve into the intriguing history of Upper Franconia. It serves as a clear recommendation for its engaging stories and historical milestones that provide a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable region. The book is part of a series by Sutton Verlag, which presents the 55 Milestones of History from various places, including Mittelfranken, WΓΌrzburg, Nuremberg, and Coburg. Each book in the series is written by a different author who reports on the region where he or she lives or has lived for a long time, providing an expert perspective on the local history.
