The volume presents the first edited version in existence of the autobiography of the mystic spiritualist Friedrich Breckling (1629-1711), which has come down to us in manuscript form. The source is given detailed commentary and contains precise genealogical information on Breckling's family situation and on his career, including the specific complexion of his close-meshed communication network. In this work, autobiography, chronicle, and apocalyptic tractate combine to form a hybrid literary genre that can rightfully claim special, if not unique, status among the 'ego documents' of the early modern age. Detailed indexes round off the volume.