Heinrich Rantzau

Heinrich Rantzau or Ranzow (Ranzovius) (11 March 1526 – 31 December 1598) was a German humanist writer and statesman, a prolific astrologer and an associate of Tycho Brahe.

He was Governor of the Danish royal share in the Duchy of Holstein, a rich man and celebrated book collector.

His own Tractatus astrologicus de genethliacorum thematum appeared in 1597, and went through five editions by 1615.

In his own time, he was regarded as a generous supporter of artists and writers in Lübeck, many of whom he engaged to write memorials of his father.

[2] Rantzau was awarded the Danish Order of the Elephant in 1580 by King Frederick II of Denmark.