Bartholomäus Sastrow

Born in Greifswald in 1520 and later active in Stralsund, Bartholomäus Sastrow was a German official, notary, and eventually mayor. He lived through a time of major religious and political upheaval, and his career placed him close to the civic life of northern Germany.

What keeps him interesting today is the autobiography he wrote in 1595, when he was about 75 years old. Rather than offering a grand literary performance, it gives a direct, detailed account of work, travel, conflict, and daily life in the 16th century, which is why historians still value it so highly.

For modern readers, Sastrow's appeal is that he sounds observant and grounded. His memoir opens a window onto the Reformation world from the perspective of someone managing practical responsibilities, making it a rich and surprisingly human historical document.