Johannes Dantiscus
Johannes Dantiscus, or Johann(es) von Hoefen, or Johann(es) Flachsbinder, also known as Jan Dantyszek, was born in Danzig (Gdańsk) in 1485. Von Hoefen was the family name, Flachsbinder an occupational name derived from his grandfather's ropemaking trade. Johannes took on the nickname Dantiscus in order to show that he was a burgher of Gdańsk (Latin: Dantiscum). His father was a Gdańsk brewer and merchant. He finished his elementary studies at a parish school in Graudenz (Grudziądz), and studied first in Greifswald, then in Kraków where he was awarded a bachelor’s degree. During his studies he became associated with the royal court of John I Olbracht, King of Poland, and took part in military expeditions against the Turks and the Moldavians. For over 30 years he was a royal diplomat and the royal secretary. Dantiscus, at King Sigismund I of Poland's side, took part in the imperial convention of Vienna in 1515.
Johannes became a church canon and a poet. He became Bishop of Chełmno (Kulm) and, later, of Warmia (Ermland). He wrote many poems in Latin. Among his many works is an autobiography, the "Life of Johannes Dantiscus" (Vita Joannis de Curiis Dantisci). He died in 1548 at Frombork (Frauenburg) in Warmia.
Dantiscus belongs to the circle of the most outstanding poets.
In addition, he maintained an active correspondence with prominent persons throughout Europe. There are thousands of his letters, many in Latin but some in several other languages, still in existence (see Ext.Link below). Some are to relatives, also named Flachsbinder.