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The Book of Trades (Das Ständebuch)

The Book of Trades was published in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in 1568, with text by Hans Sachs (1494–1576) and illustrations by Jost Amman (1539–91). It features detailed woodcut illustrations of various professions, each accompanied by a short poem in rhyming couplets and provides a fascinating insight into the diverse trades and crafts practised in 16th-century Nuremberg.

Hans Sachs was born in Nuremburg in 1494. A cobbler by trade, he had also learnt the art of the 'Meistersinger' or 'master singer'. This enabled him to compose poetry and music. When he died, in 1576, his works numbered more than 1700. They included comedies, topical poetry and short plays to celebrate religious festivals.

In the 'Book of Trades', Sachs emphasises the importance of hard work and modest living to achieve a pious existence and a harmonious society. His views reflected the Protestant doctrines of Martin Luther, whose beliefs had been rejected by the Catholic Church at Nuremberg in 1522.

Sachs's descriptions are not an entirely faithful reflection of Nuremberg society. He makes derogatory and anti-Semitic references to the Jewish community, even though the town had expelled the Jews in 1499. His attitude to pilgrims reflects his Protestant sympathies.

(Text from the Victoria and Albert Museum)

An index to Jost Amman's illustrations in Eygentliche Beschreibung aller Stände auff Erden, hoher und nidriger, geistlicher und weltlicher, aller Künsten, Handwercken und Händeln, better known as the Ständebuch ("Book of Trades"), published in 1568. The verses are by Hans Sachs. (Translations of the verses may be included in a future update of this page.)

• The Pope
• The Cardinal
• The Bishop
• The Clerics
• The Monks
• The Pilgrims
• The Emperor
• The King
• The Prince
• The Nobleman
• The Doctor
• The Apothecary
• The Sculptor
• The Typefounder
• The Engraver
• The Woodcut-Maker
• The Paper-Maker
• The Printer
• The Illuminator
• The Bookbinder
• The Painter
• The Glasier
• The Glass-Painter
• The Silk-Embroiderer
• The Goldsmith
• The Gem-Cutter
• The Astronomer
• The Merchant
• The Jew
• The Coin-Minter
• The Gold-Leaf Maker
• The Street-Vendor
• The Purse-Maker
• The Belt-Maker
• The Strap-Maker
• The Butcher
• The Hunter
• The Cook
• The Miller
• The Baker
• The Farmer
• The Beer-Brewer
• The Fowl-Hunter
• The Tailor
• The Furrier
• The Black-Dyer
• The Weaver
• The Hatter
• The Shoemaker
• The Barber-Surgeon
• The Dentist
• The Bathhouse-Caretaker
• The Bell-Founder
• The Thimble-Maker
• The Tanner
• The Eyeglass-Maker
• The Brush-Maker
• The Comb-Maker
• The Cloth-Shearer
• The Locksmith
• The Tool-Maker
• The Cutler
• The Spurrier
• The Coppersmith
• The Gunsmith
• The Clockmaker
• The Metalsmith
• The Nailsmith
• The Scythe-Smith
• The Armorer
• The Smith
• The Basin-Maker
• The Bell-Maker
• The Pewterer
• The Needle-Maker
• The (Mail) Armor-Maker
• The Crossbow-Maker
• The Scale-Maker
• The Lantern-Maker
• The Saddler
• The Potter
• The Mirror-Maker
• The Sharpener
• The Stone-Mason
• The Brick-Maker
• The Carpenter
• The Joiner
• The Wagon-Wright
• The Cooper
• The Turner
• The Rifle-Butt Maker
• The Parchment-Maker
• The Sieve-Maker
• The Rope-Maker
• The Shipman
• The Fisherman
• The Oil-Maker
• The Vineyard-Tender
• The Singer
• The Wire-Drawer
• The Pin-Maker
• The Luthier
• The Miner
• The Organist
• The Harpist and Lutenist
• Three String-Players
• Three Fifers
• The Drummer
• The Tapestry-Weaver
• The Gold-Fool (a miser)
• The Food-Fool (a glutton)
• The Natural Fool
• The Jester

(see the Original Text)