Dictionary.net

A noted German poet and novelist; born in Berlin, Jan. 26, 1781; died at Wiepersdorf, Jan. 31, 1831. He is the main representative of the younger generation of the Romantic school. Settling at Heidelberg in 1806 after extensive travels, he formed a close friendship with Clemens Brentano, and edited with him "The Boy's Wonder-Horn", a collection of old German legends and songs, which was received with much favor. In 1811 he married Brentano's sister Bettina, and thereafter lived alternately in Berlin, and on his estate Wiepersdorf in the province of Brandenburg. He was at his best as a story-teller. His principal works are: "Poverty, Riches, Guilt, and Penitence of Countess Dolores", a novel (1810); and "The Crown-Guardians", a fantastic historical romance (1817), a glowing picture of life towards the wane of the 15th century. Among his short stories, published mostly in collections, the following deserve mention: "The Mad Invalid at Fort Ratonneau"; "The Three Loving Sisters and the Happy Dyer"; "Prince All-god and Singer Demi-god". His complete works, with an introduction by W. Grimm, were edited by his wife (1839-46).