Adam Olearius was dubbed by his contemporaries "der Holsteinische Plinius" (The Pliny of Holstein) and "der Gottorper Odysseus" (the Odysseus of Gottorf). These epithets capture the wide range of interests and achievements of this erudite scholar who wrote the first scientific travel book in German and was one of the most accomplished translators of Persian poetry of his time.

Olearius was born Adam Ölschlegel in Aschersleben in Anhalt on 15 August 1599; he was the son of Adam Ölschlegel, a tailor, and Maria Ölschlegel, née Porst. After attending the Stephaneum gymnasium in Aschersleben, he went to the University of Leipzig in 1620 to study theology but switched to philosophy, mathematics, and the natural sciences, especially astronomy. Influenced by Philipp Müller, a professor with whom he maintained a cordial relationship long after the completion of his studies, he developed a special interest in mathematics and...