Christian Cyclopedia

(1770–1843). Poet and novelist; b. Lauffen, Ger.; studied theol. at Tübingen; influenced by F. G. Klopstock,* J. C. F. v. Schiller,* J. W. v. Goethe,* J. G. v. Herder.* His earliest poetry shows influence of pietism; 2d period emphasized nature and the Kingdom of God on earth; in his prime, the spirit of nature became the spirit of hist. and he became concerned with problems of individual existence and yearning for the all. Works include Hyperion; Der Tod des Empedokles; Die Verfahrensweise des poetischen Geistes; An die Hoffnung; Heimkunft.