Johannes Riemer
Johannes Riemer was a notable German poet and scholar born on February 11, 1648, in Halle, Germany. He emerged from humble beginnings but secured sponsorship that allowed him to pursue an education at the Lutheran high school and later at the University of Jena, where he earned a master's degree in just two years. Riemer served as a lecturer and later as a professor at the University of Jena before moving to the Gymnasium illustre Augusteum in Weissenfels, where he found greater financial stability after marrying Maria Rosina Luja.
Throughout his career, Riemer was recognized for his literary contributions, especially in the form of school dramas that aimed to teach proper rulership and governance. His notable works include the early play "Glüklicher Bastard: Oder, Tyrannischer Gro�vater," along with several books on rhetoric and political novels. In addition to his literary career, he became a pastor and later superintendent of parishes, where he sometimes used his sermons to address his critics. Riemer faced personal tragedies, including the loss of family members, which contributed to his declining health. He passed away in late 1714, leaving behind a legacy of educational and religious writings that reflect his deep engagement with themes of governance and spirituality.
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Johannes Riemer
Writer
- Born: February 11, 1648
- Birthplace: Halle, Germany
- Died: September 10, 1714
Biography
Johannnes Riemer was known for the poetic quality of his literary works. He was born in Halle, Germany, on February 11, 1648, the youngest child of Hanes Riemer and Maria Meisner Riemer. Although his family had humble origins, he was able to secure an influential sponsor who helped him to attend the local Lutheran high school. When he was twenty-two, he enrolled at the University of Jena where he studied philosophy, history, rhetoric, and theology.
Within two years of his enrollment, Riemer earned a master’s degree. Because of his academic achievements, he was permitted to lecture on liberal arts. The following year, he was appointed to the adjunct staff at the university. Although he had achieved some status at the university he was poorly paid, and left his position to become a professor at the new Gymnasium illustre Augusteum in Weissenfels, Germany.
By 1675, Riemer had fully established himself at the school and became financially comfortable after his marriage to Maria Rosina Luja. During his time at the school, he became friendly with writer Christian Wiese. Some historians speculate that the writer played a role in Riemer’s appointment as Wiese’s successor as professor of politics, poetics, and rhetoric. Riemer remained in this position for several years, until he decided to accept the position of pastor at Osterwieck.
In 1691, Riemer completed his doctorate in theology at the University of Helmstedt. Not long afterward, he accepted a position as superintendent of eight parishes in Hildesheim. However, he was not particularly suited to the job, and he became pastor of the largest church in Hamburg in 1704. He sometimes used his pulpit to denounce his critics. Growing more despondent after the deaths of several family members, including his wife, daughter, and grandson, Riemer himself became ill in June of 1714, and died a few months later.
Riemer was a prolific writer, and he is best remembered for his school dramas, plays, and novels. In particular, his school dramas were intended to instruct in the proper models for rulership, and a monarch’s ability to govern constructively. This theme is also found in his early plays, such as Glüklicher Bastard: Oder, Tyrannischer Gro�vater. Riemer also wrote four books on rhetoric and several political novels. In his later life, Riemer wrote religious articles, such as Der Kinder Göttes Haupt-Schlüssel zum Himmel und Hertzen Göttes (the main key to heaven and the heart of god for the children of god).