Thomas Platter describes in his autobiography the remarkable social ascent from a poor shepherd boy to the respected rector of a school in Basel. He portrays his childhood as exceptionally harsh and perilous. Why does he dramatize parts of his life as an elderly writer? How does his life situation at the time of writing influence the construction of his life narrative? The author Jeannette Glaue introduces the issues of self-testimonies with a theoretical section and presents the historical context by comparing Platter's writing present with his childhood. In the source section, Platter's letters and four other autobiographies provide insight into the literature of the 16th century. The presentation and analysis of the autobiography are divided into four sections: Infantia in the family, Boyhood as a goatherd, Adolescence on the road, and Youth as a turning point. The author then interprets Platter's exciting childhood story. The book is aimed at students and those interested in the history of the Early Modern period.