Matthias Buchinger -"Little Man from Nuremberg"

Our special guest at our Yuletide Supper, David Harry - Magician, introduced a remarkable man from the 17th century.

His name was Matthias Buchinger, He was only 29 inches tall, he was born without hand or legs, and managed to live a full and impressive life with no less than four wives, and fathering more than ten children.  He was renowned as a calligrapher and was also a popular entertainer, juggling and performing magic.

Despite his severe physical challenges - Buchinger became an accomplished musician, inventor, artist, model-in-a-bottle builder, and magician.

​Born in Anspach, Germany in 1674, he was the youngest of nine children, and became widely known as “The Little Man from Nuremburg” performing his feats of wonder across much of Great Britain and Europe. Buchinger was only 29 inches tall, and for hands had "two excrescences which grew from his shoulder-blades, like fingers without nails" but his skills in magic, marksmanship, and music were legendary. He played several musical instruments, some of which he invented himself, was accomplished at skittles (bowling), and could dance a hornpipe as well as anyone. 

He was also a talented calligrapher. His engraving skills are evident by the self-portrait to the right. Hidden within his curls are seven psalms and the Lord’s Prayer written in tiny letters. Buchinger lived much of his adult life in England and Ireland, and performed before King George and many of Europe’s royalty. He died in Cork, Ireland in 1732.

Article taken from www.sciencebuzz.org/blog/matthias-buchinger-astounding-little-man-nuremburg