Wolf Helmhard von Hohberg
Wolf Helmhard von Hohberg, born on October 20, 1612, in Austria, was an influential figure in 17th-century literature and a notable member of the Protestant upper class. He initially received a rudimentary education from his mother, followed by his cousin Amandus von Gera, but gained much of his knowledge through military service from 1632 to 1641, where he advanced to the rank of captain. Hohberg began writing poetry in the 1650s, with significant influences from poets like Stubenberg and Georg Adam von Kuefstein, and he became an active participant in a local poets' society. His most recognized work, "Georgica Curiosa," published in 1682, reflects his belief in the importance of educating children in Greek and Latin and instilling respect for God. After managing his family estate following his brother's death, he married Anna Margaretha Marusch von Rohrbach, which helped elevate his social status to baron by 1659. Despite the decline of Protestantism in the 1660s, Hohberg continued to write prolifically until his death in 1688. While not widely recognized today, he is considered a significant contributor to Austrian literature, particularly noted for his epic poetry.
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Wolf Helmhard von Hohberg
Poet
- Born: October 20, 1612
- Died: June 28, 1688
- Place of death: Regensburg, Germany
Biography
Wolf Helmhard von Hohberg was born on October 20, 1612. The first of three children, Hohberg grew up in Austria and was educated by his mother, who taught him rudimentary subjects, including Latin. When his mother was unable to continue teaching him, his cousin Amandus von Gera took over his education. However, the majority of Hohberg’s education came from his experience in the military, which provided him with a first-class education and taught him foreign languages and geography. Hohberg served from 1632 until 1641, climbing the ranks to the position of captain.
Although Hohberg began his writing career in the 1650’s, he would not publish his most respected works until the 1660’s. It is believed that he was initially inspired by friends and poets Stubenberg and Georg Adam von Kuefstein. After Hohberg was allowed to join their poets’ society, he dedicated his time to writing poetry. His education would later influence the writing of Georgica Curiosa, das ist: Umständlicher Bericht und klarer Unterricht von dem Adelichen Land-und Feld-Leben (detailed lessons on the noble life of the country and the field), published years later in 1682. The book conveyed Hohberg’s conviction that people should be educated in Greek and Latin, and that children should be taught to know and respect God.
Hohberg returned to his birthplace in 1641 due to the death of his brother. It was there that he tried to resume a relatively normal life managing the family estate. In 1650, Hohberg married Anna Margaretha Marusch von Rohrbach. His estate, combined with that of the Rohrbach family, helped to earn him the title of baron by 1659, and he began to climb the ranks of the Protestant upper class. This thrust upward in society also introduced Hohberg into the House of Lords of the Lower Austrian parliament.
During the 1660’s, the popularity of Protestantism started to wane, and Hohberg relocated to southern Austria, where he continued to work and write. There he produced his famous Georgica curiosa: Oder, Adeliches Landleben (1682), a massive, twelve-volume work so popular that it found numerous printings, in spite of its enormous size. Hohberg continued to write until his death in 1688. While not well known today, critics regard him as an important and influential Austrian writer, perhaps one of the more impressive writers of epic poetry in the history of the country.