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Julius Leopold KleinGerman playwright and literary historian.
Country:
 Germany |
Content:
- Johann Ludwig Klein
- Diplomatic Career and Debut in Literature
- Tragic Dramas
- Comedies
- Magnum Opus: History of Drama
Johann Ludwig Klein
Early Life and EducationJohann Ludwig Klein, a prominent German playwright and literary historian, was born in Budapest. He attended high school in Pest and later pursued medical studies in Vienna and Berlin.
Diplomatic Career and Debut in Literature
After traveling extensively in Italy, Klein served at the Prussian embassy in Athens for two years. In 1830, he settled in Berlin, where he spent most of his life. He published his first work, a poem titled "On the Death of My Mother," in 1830.
Tragic Dramas
Klein gained recognition as a playwright, composing numerous tragedies influenced by Shakespearean style. Notable works include "Mary Medici" (1841), "Zenobia" (1847), "Moreto" (1859), "Strafford" (1862), and "Heliodora" (1867). According to Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedia, these dramas "lacked stageworthiness but displayed strong characterizations and eloquent language."
Comedies
Klein also penned several comedies, including "The Duchess" (1848), "The Ward" (1850), and "Voltaire" (1862). These works garnered praise for their wit and social commentary.
Magnum Opus: History of Drama
Klein's most significant contribution to literary scholarship was his "History of Drama," published in 13 volumes from 1865 to 1876. This extensive study covered the evolution of drama from ancient origins to the Elizabethan era. Although unfinished, Klein's work demonstrated his vast knowledge, albeit with an often eccentric perspective.
