Wilhelm Hauff
Wilhelm Hauff was a German author born in Stuttgart in 1802, known for his contributions to literature, particularly in the realm of fairy tales. After experiencing the loss of his father at a young age, Hauff was raised by his grandparents, who played a significant role in his early education. He began studying theology at a monastery but later transitioned to Tuebingen Stift, a Protestant university, where he became involved in literary activities and wrote satire and poetry.
In the mid-1820s, Hauff published his first novel, "Mittheilungen aus den Memoiren des Satan," and became increasingly prolific, writing without much revision. He also took on the role of editor for Cotta magazine and married his cousin Luise in 1827. That same year, he released his celebrated three-volume collection of fairy tales, which contributed to his literary legacy. Tragically, Hauff's life was cut short when he died of encephalitis in 1827, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be appreciated today.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Wilhelm Hauff
Poet
- Born: November 29, 1802
- Birthplace: Stuttgart, Germany
- Died: November 18, 1827
Biography
Wilhelm Hauff was born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1802. His father was a government official, and Hauff was the second of four children. In 1806, the family moved to Tuebingen, where Hauff’s father took a job. In 1809, Hauff’s father died young and the family moved in with Hauff’s maternal grandparents, who helped educate him at a young age.
From 1817 to 1820, Hauff began to study theology in a monastery. His outgoing personality did not blend well with the monastery setting. In 1820, Hauff changed schools and took to studying at Tuebingen Stift, a Protestant university. While at Tuebingen Stift, Hauff joined a fraternal organization and began to write satire and poetry. In 1924, the fraternal organization came under investigation in Noerdlingen. While speaking for the fraternity, Hauff met his cousin Luise, and a short time later the two were engaged.
That same year, Hauff earned his doctorate in theology. Instead of putting his degree to practical use, Hauff took interest in all things literary. Hauff undertook the task of organizing a poetry anthology, in which he submitted a few of his own poems. Also in 1824, Hauff took up a position as the personal tutor to a wealthy family.
In 1825, Hauff also began writing. The first volume of his novel Mittheilungen aus den Memoiren des Satan was published the next year, with volume two following in 1827. Some excerpts from the book were translated anonymously into English as Memoirs of Beelzebub in 1846. After the novel was published, Hauff began to write prolifically. He often submitted his work for publication without revising or editing. In 1826, Hauff received numerous offers to edit newspapers and periodicals, which he often rejected. He accepted the position of editor of Cotta magazine in 1827.
In 1827, Hauff finally married Luise, and published his most popular works, three volumes of fairy tales. The first two volumes were published in 1827; the third and final volume was published in 1828. Hauff himself died of encephalitis in 1827.