HERMANN of FRITZLAR. – Ascetical writer of the 14th century, probably a layman, who composed in German the little book Blume der Beschauung und der göttlichen Übungen.
It is a “hasty compilation” according to H. Denifle (Archiv für Literatur und Kirchengeschichte des Mittelalters, II, p. 530, note). J. W. Preger (Geschichte der deutschen Mystik im Mittelalter, II, Leipzig 1881, pp. 426–34) provides its text. H. of F. mentions this writing in his collection of saints’ lives in the form of sermons, composed from 1343 to 1349, edited by F. Pfeiffer (Deutsche Mystiker des 14. Jahrhunderts, I, ibid. 1845, pp. 1–258). In the sermons the author speaks in the first person of journeys to Rome, Salerno, Amalfi, Bari and other places; he recounts Italian popular customs. Apart from Giselher of Slatheim, whose contribution Preger overestimated, the sermons are to be attributed to several authors. Dependence on the Passionalia and perhaps on Italian sermons is also evident. The doctrine of the birth of the divine Word in the soul is touched upon.