Ferdinand Kürnberger
Ferdinand Kürnberger was a notable Austrian writer of the 19th century, primarily recognized for his critical essays and social commentary, which have earned him the title of the "Stammvater" or founding father of Viennese critical journalism. Born in Vienna in 1821 to working-class parents, Kürnberger showed early literary talent, winning poetry contests and demonstrating exceptional academic abilities, although he struggled with mathematics which prevented him from attending the University of Vienna. Initially, he supported himself through tutoring and freelance writing, gaining notoriety for his critiques of popular literature and his involvement in the political turmoil following the 1848 revolution. His commentary during this period, including over fifty articles in support of the uprising, led to a temporary life as a fugitive after being charged with sedition. Despite his desire to be remembered for his plays and novels, Kürnberger's legacy is largely tied to his essays, which he produced in abundance, critiquing various social issues, including his incisive novel "Der Amerika-Müde," which attacked American culture and materialism. Throughout his life, he faced challenges in achieving literary success and financial stability, yet he continued to write prolifically until his death in 1879. His complex relationship with literature and society makes him an intriguing figure in the context of 19th-century Austrian literature.
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Ferdinand Kürnberger
Writer
- Born: July 3, 1821
- Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
- Died: October 14, 1879
- Place of death: Munich, Germany
Biography
Ferdinand Kürnberger, a nineteenth century Austrian writer, is best known for his critical essays and social commentary, with one critic proclaiming him the Stammvater, or founding father, of Viennese critical journalism. This is not without irony, because Kürnberger hoped to be remembered for his plays and novels; his essays were merely a means of earning a living, and he considered being a literary artist and poet as a higher calling.
Kürnberger was born in Vienna in 1821, the fourth child of working class parents, Ferdinand and Barbara Kürnberger. Early on, he was recognized for his literary precocity; he could easily memorize poetry, was an exceptional student, and won various poetry contests in his early school years. Unfortunately, he failed to be admitted to the University of Vienna because of his low grades in mathematics, and he only was allowed to audit classes there. Subsequently self-educated, Kürnberger supported himself by tutoring and selling articles to Viennese newspapers. In 1848, one of his articles criticizing the then-popular “village tales” caused a minor uproar and initiated his reputation as a rebel who challenged the status quo.
During the aftermath of the 1848 revolution, Kürnberger closely chronicled and supported the uprising with more than fifty articles, an action which led to an unfounded charge of sedition. Kürnberger became a fugitive until he was arrested in May, 1849, and pardoned the following year. After he moved to Bremen in 1851, he began contributing essays to the liberal publication, Tageschronik, but he later disappeared for about a year, eventually resurfacing in Frankfurt. During this time, Kürnberger attempted without success to have his plays staged. One of his plays, Catilina: Drama in fünf Aufzügen, a favorable interpretation of the Roman patrician who sought to overthrow his government, was never produced.
His novel, Der Amerika-Müde: Amerikanisches Kulturbild, was a reaction to the then-prevalent obsession of Europeans with the United States, which led them to either idealize or severely criticize the new nation. This novel presented a vitriolic picture of the United States, attacking American culture, institutions, religions, and business practices; this attack also included a general condemnation of materialism and capitalism. Many critics have considered this novel, despite its possibly jaundiced viewpoint, a significant step in the development of the United States as a literary subject.
In 1856, Kürnberger began a close relationship with the married Isabella Wendelin that lasted until his death in 1879. After 1860, Kürnberger enjoyed greater literary success with some of his novels. He also wrote essays and editorials but continued to struggle to support himself. A successful essayist but a failed literary artist, Kürnberger was a prolific writer, producing plays, critiques, novels, and essays, but he made his name with the last genre, despite his attempts to the contrary.