Hans Ludwig von Kuffstein
Hans Ludwig von Kuffstein was an Austrian translator and diplomat, born in 1582. He demonstrated academic promise early on, entering the University of Prague at just eight years old, later continuing his studies at the University of Jena and various universities across Italy and Spain. Kuffstein married Maria Grabnerin in 1607, and the couple had fifteen children, although none survived to adulthood. His notable contributions to literature began with his translation of the Spanish work "Los siete libros de la Diana," which he rendered into German as "Die Schone verliebte Diana" in 1619. This translation is recognized for influencing the standards of courtly writing in German-speaking regions. He continued his translating efforts into the 1620s, notably with "Carcel de Amor" by Diego de San Pedro, published in 1624 as "Ein schon Gedicht, genandt, Das Gefangnuf der Lieb." Throughout his life, Kuffstein balanced his literary pursuits with a diplomatic career, achieving success in both fields. He passed away in 1656, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and literary contributions.
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Hans Ludwig von Kuffstein
- Born: June 11, 1582
- Birthplace: Linz, Upper Austria
- Died: September 27, 1656
- Place of death: Linz, Upper Austria
Biography
Hans Ludwig von Kuffstein was born in Austria in 1582. His father was a determined man and worked hard to raise the status of the Kuffstein family into the high court in Vienna. At the age of eight, Kuffstein entered the University of Prague, with two of his brothers, attending classes from 1594 to 1597. He eventually left Prague to attend the University of Jena. Following his time at Jena, Kuffstein traveled around Europe in the early 1600’s, taking time to study at an assortment of Italian and Spanish universities. In 1607, he married Maria Grabnerin; the two would have fifteen children, none of whom survived.
By 1611, Kuffstein embarked upon his work as a translator of foreign books. He started with Los siete libros de la Diana by Jorge de Montemayor and Alonso Pérez, and later translated other Spanish and Italian texts from the mid-to late-1500’s. His German translation of Montemayor and Pérez’s work, entitled Die Schone verliebte Diana, was published in 1619. The book was widely inspirational and helped set the standards of courtly writing, a genre that was not common in Germany or Austria.
In addition to his translating work, Kuffstein pursued a diplomatic career and served as a delegate for Austria. He began translating his second work in the 1620’s, the Spanish novella Carcel de Amor by Diego de San Pedro. Kuffstein’s translation was published in 1624, and entitled Ein schon Gedicht, genandt, Das Gefangnuf der Lieb. In the years to follow, Kuffstein balanced his time between translating classical works of Spanish and Italian literature and his work as a diplomat, and he was rather successful in both activities. He died in 1656.