Otto of Passau

Otto Of Passau (some have it OF NASSAU), for a time teacher in the Franciscan convent of Basle, was there connected with the Pietistic sect of the Friends of God (q.v.). He is principally known as the author of a book of edification for the use of the laity, entitled Die Vierunzdzwanzig Alten u. der Goldene Thion (1386). It consists of directions for leading a Christian life, and insists particularly on its subjective aspects. It was first printed at Augsburg in 1480, and lately under the title of Die Krone der Aeltesten (Regensb. 1836). It was translated into Dutch (Utrecht, 1480, and often reprinted). See Pfeiffer, Deutsche Mystiker des 14ten Jahrh. (Stuttg. 1845);

Aschbach, Kirchen-Lexikon, 4:408,409; Herzog, Real-Encyklop 10:741. (J. N. P.)