PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

The German Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau enjoyed an immense fame in Germany, troughout Europe and beyond. He left an extensive correspondence, much of it written in French an unpublished. Based on the cultural transfer approach, complemented by network analysis, the aim of this thesis was to examine with whom this French-speaking and Francophile prince was in (epistolary) contact and for what purpose. The study shows that Pückler-Muskau established a network between the Orient, France and Germany through which he tried to influence political decisions and contributed to the enrichment of equestrian knowledge in Europe, not only with theoretical and pragmatic knowledge, but also with the purchase of horses which he brought back to Germany (material transfer). Through another network, he established relations between the court of Napoleon III and the court of Prussia, working for a rapprochement and a united Europe.