Schaffhausen postal history 1411848

This book sheds light on a fascinating period of Central European history by means of an institution that has been central to it for centuries: the post office. Favoured by its location at the intersection of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, Vorderösterreich and the Old Confederation, an important hub for the transmission of news was established in the town of Schaffhausen from the 15th century onwards. The history of the postal system stretches from the early messenger lines via the Imperial Imperial Post Office and the Post Office of the Near East to the postal company of Thurn und Taxis, and often focuses on the ruthless struggle for routes, power and money. With an abundance of documents - contracts, proclamations and correspondence - the book paints a vivid picture of a time when the postal system was highly complex, but fast despite warlike turmoil, customs and border disputes.