Philipp von Zesen
Philipp von Zesen was a notable German poet and novelist born in 1619, known for his contributions to early German literature. His educational journey began in a home setting, followed by formal schooling in Halle, where he published his first poetic work, *Melpomene*, at the age of eighteen, focusing on religious themes surrounding the Passion of Christ. Zesen's most significant work, *Deutscher Helikon*, published in 1640, is recognized for introducing dactyl verse into German poetry and was released in four volumes. After earning a master’s degree from the University of Wittenberg, he moved to Hamburg and became known for composing poetry for various social occasions.
During his time in Amsterdam from 1642 to 1648, he worked as a proofreader and founded the Deutschgesinnte Genossenschaft, a literary society aimed at promoting the German language. He also published his first original novel, *Adriatische Rosemund*, which blended historical and pastoral elements and was among the first German novels. Zesen was later honored with a noble title by Emperor Ferdinand III and produced several religious and devotional texts. He married in 1672 and continued to write until his death in Hamburg in 1689. His works and efforts played a crucial role in the evolution of the German literary landscape.
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Philipp von Zesen
Poet
- Born: October 8, 1619
- Birthplace: Priorau, Germany
- Died: November 13, 1689
- Place of death: Hamburg, Germany
Biography
Philipp von Zesen, an early seventeenth century poet and novelist, was born in Germany in 1619. His parents were Philipp, a Lutheran minister, and Dorothea Zesen. Philipp von Zesen received his early education at home. At the age of eighteen, he attended a gymnasium in Halle, Germany. There he published his first poetic work titled Melpomene (1638). This work was a short collection of religious poems which depicted the Passion of Christ.
While still in school, Zesen published his most noted work, titled Deutscher Helikon (1640; German helicon). This work, a German-language poetic handbook, was eventually published in four volumes. Deutscher Helikon was credited with introducing dactyl verse into German poetry.
In 1641, Zesen received a master’s degree from the University of Wittenberg. After receiving his degree, he moved to the German city of Hamburg. There he supported himself by writing occasional poetry in honor of birthdays, weddings, and deaths. In 1642, Zesen published a popular collection of poems titled Fruhlingslust (spring joy).
From 1642 to 1648, Zesen lived in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he supported himself as a proofreader in a publishing house. While in Amsterdam, Zesen founded the literary society Deutschgesinnte Genossenschaft (the German-minded society). This organization was dedicated to the preservation of the traditional German language and the promotion of German as a literary language. The majority of members were students attending Holland universities. Zesen and other members of the society translated numerous classical literary works into German.
In 1645, while in Amsterdam, Zesen published his first original novel. This work, titled Adriatische Rosemund, was a combination of historical and pastoral writing and was one of the first novels written in the German language. In 1648, Zesen traveled to Dessau, Germany, where he appealed to Prince Ludwig of Anhalt-Cothen to secure a membership in the most prestigious language and literary society, Fruchtbringende Gesellschaft (the fruitful society). Zesen remained in Dessau until 1653, when he traveled to Regensburg, Germany. There he was granted a noble title by Emperor Ferdinand III. As a thank you to the emperor, Zesen wrote the poem “Guldener Regen” (golden rain).
In 1656, Zesen returned to the Netherlands. At this time, he began writing religious devotional works such as Frauenzimmers Gebeht-Buch (women’s prayer book). In 1664, Zesen became an honorary citizen of Amsterdam. In 1672, at the age of fifty-three, Zesen married Maria Becker. After marrying, they moved to Hamburg, where Zesen returned to writing occasional poetry. He died in Hamburg in 1689.