Ottokar Lorenz

Various authors (Dromel, Lorenz, Petersen, Wechssler, Pinder, Drerup, Mannheim, and so on) have addressed the theme of the generations, but it is Ortega y Gasset who must be recognized for having established in his theory of generations the key to understanding the intrinsic movement of the historical process. (31)

In: Historiological Discussions, Silo,

Chapter 3: History and Temporality, 3.2 Horizon and Temporal Landscape

Ottokar Lorenz (1832 - 1904)

Historian and genealogist.

Biographical information

1832 Birth in Iglau (Moravia) on 17 September, at that time part of the Empire of Austria.
1851–1854 Studying history and philosophy at the University of Vienna, where he specialised in history.
1861 Habilitation in history at the University of Vienna and beginning of his academic career.
1865 He became a professor at the University of Jena, where he lectured on history and genealogy. In Jena, he established himself as the leading genealogist of his time.
1871 Publication of Lehrbuch der gesamten wissenschaftlichen Genealogie (A Textbook of Complete Scientific Genealogy): This work became a standard work in genealogical research and made Lorenz widely known.

1885 Lorenz transferred to the University of Strasbourg, where he continued his research on medieval history and genealogy.
1890 Publication of his autobiography, in which he reflected on his scientific work and the stages of his life.

1904 He died in Jena on 13 May 1904, where he had settled after his retirement.

Topics

Genealogy: Lorenz made significant contributions to scientific genealogy and developed methods for the systematic research and presentation of family trees and family histories. His work helped establish genealogy as an independent scientific discipline.
History of the Middle Ages: Another focus of his research was medieval history, in particular the political and social structures and the dynastic developments of this era. He analysed the balance of power and ruling dynasties of the Middle Ages.
Methods of historical science: Lorenz dealt intensively with the methodological foundations of historical science. He placed a high value on a scientifically sound and methodically rigorous approach to historical research and source criticism.
Family histories and dynasties: In addition to general genealogy, Lorenz also studied specific family histories and dynasties, particularly their influence on political and social developments. His detailed studies of various noble families and their networks are still important today.

Major works

‘Lehrbuch der gesamten wissenschaftlichen Genealogie’ (1886): This textbook is one of the fundamental works on scientific genealogy. It covers the methodology and systematics of genealogical research and established important standards in this field.
‘German History in the 13th and 14th Centuries’ (1873): In this work, Lorenz examines the political and social structures of Germany in the 13th and 14th centuries and provides detailed analyses of the dynastic developments and power relations of this era.
‘History of Alsace’ (1871): This work deals with the history of Alsace from ancient to modern times. Lorenz provides a comprehensive analysis of the political, social and cultural developments of the region.
‘Genealogical Handbook of European State History’ (1895): In this handbook, Lorenz summarises the genealogical connections and dynastic developments of the European states. It serves as an important reference for historians and genealogists.

Influence

Ottokar Lorenz had a significant influence on the development of scientific genealogy and historical studies. Through his ‘Lehrbuch der gesamten wissenschaftlichen Genealogie’ (Textbook of Complete Scientific Genealogy), he established important methodological standards for genealogical research.

His detailed studies of medieval history and dynastic developments, such as in ‘Deutsche Geschichte im 13. und 14. Jahrhundert’ (German History in the 13th and 14th Centuries), contributed significantly to our understanding of these epochs. Lorenz's works served as a reference for historians and genealogists and helped to establish genealogy as an independent scientific discipline.

Why is he mentioned by Silo in ‘Historiological Discussions’?

Silo mentions him along with a number of authors and scientists who, at roughly the same time (end of the 19th/beginning of the 20th century), recognised the importance of generational dynamics in various fields of human life (literature, art, history). At the same time, however, Silo also emphasises that for him the most relevant approach to the role of generations came from José Ortega y Gasset.

Ottokar Lorenz analysed the role of generations in history through his detailed studies of genealogical and dynastic developments. He showed how power and influence within families were passed down through generations and how these intergenerational dynamics shaped historical processes. His work helped to develop a deeper understanding of continuity and change in political and social history.

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