E.T.A. Hoffmann

Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann
born 24 January 1776 in Königsberg
died 25 June 1822 in Berlin
Self Portrait
© Staatsbibliothek Bamberg


 

1792 - 1807  studies law in Königsberg; holds different judicial positions in Glogau, Posen and Warsaw; marries Maria Micheline Roher-Trzynska; composes chamber music, songs and opera; conducts a local orchestra; after Napoleon’s invasion of Warsaw forced to move to Berlin
1808 - 1813 positions as musical director, stage designer and theatre composer in Bamberg, Leipzig and Dresden; publishes his first novella "Ritter Gluck"
1814 - 1819 returns to civil service in Berlin; meets Schleiermacher, Fichte and Chamisso; publishes "Phantasiestücke in Callots Manier", "Die Elixiere des Teufels", "Nachtstücke" and "Die Serapionsbrüder"
1820 - 1822 Publication of "Die Lebensansichten des Kater Murr" in 2 volumes; resigns from the position of councillor for the Prussian Intelligence Committee against High Treason; his satire "Meister Floh" is censored and he himself is suspected of dissent and subversion
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