Barthold Heinrich Brockes
Barthold Heinrich Brockes was an influential German poet born in Hamburg in 1680, who played a significant role in the evolution of nature-themed poetry in the early eighteenth century. Although he received little formal education in his early years, his mother and father provided his initial instruction. After attending the Johanneum academic high school, he studied law and philosophy from 1700 to 1702, followed by extensive travels across Italy, France, and Holland. In 1715, Brockes married Anna Ilsabe Lehmann, with whom he had twelve children, eight of whom reached adulthood. His political career included a position on the Hamburg Senate and serving as magistrate of Ritzebuttle from 1735 to 1741. Brockes is best known for his pioneering work in nature-centered poetry, which drew inspiration from English literature and emphasized a spiritual connection to nature. This culminated in the publication of his significant series, "Irdisches Vergnugen in Golt," starting in 1721. Though his poetry is often viewed as having limited intrinsic value, it is recognized as a pivotal influence in the transformation of German literature during his time.
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Barthold Heinrich Brockes
Poet
- Born: September 22, 1680
- Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany
- Died: January 16, 1747
- Place of death: Ritzebüttel, Hanover
Biography
Barthold Heinrich Brockes, an early eighteenth century German poet, was born in Hamburg, Germany. As a young boy, he did not receive a formal education, but was schooled by his parents. He received his first instruction from his father. In 1694, when his father died, his mother took over the schooling of Brockes and his sister Anna Elizabeth Brockes.
The schooling at home continued until 1696, when Brockes attended the academic high school in Johanneum, Germany. From 1700 to 1702, Brockes studied law and philosophy. In 1704, after extensive travels through Italy, France, and Holland, he returned to Hamburg, Germany. In 1715, Brockes married Anna Ilsabe Lehmann. During their marriage they had twelve children, of whom eight survived to adulthood. In 1720, Brockes was appointed a member of the Hamburg Senate and presided over several important offices. From 1735 to 1741, he served as magistrate of Ritzebuttle.
Brockes is credited for introducing his countrymen to a new type of nature-centered poetry. This poetry, which originated in England, expressed a reverential attitude towards nature as well as a religious interpretation of natural phenomena. In 1721, Brockes began publishing a series of nine volumes of this new poetry style. This work was titled Irdisches Vergnugen in Golt. Brockes died in 1747. His poetry has small intrinsic value but is recognized as a key factor of the change which overcame German literature in the eighteenth century.