Karl August Varnhagen von Ense facts for kids
Karl August Varnhagen von Ense (born February 21, 1785, died October 10, 1858) was an important German writer. He was known for writing biographies, which are life stories of people. He also worked as a diplomat, representing his country, and served as a soldier.
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Early Life and Education
Karl August Varnhagen von Ense was born in Düsseldorf, Germany, on February 21, 1785. He had an older sister named Rosa Maria Assing, who became a famous poet and teacher.
He first studied medicine in Berlin. However, he spent most of his time learning about philosophy and literature. Later, he studied these subjects more deeply at the University of Halle and the University of Tübingen. In 1804, he began his writing career. He worked with Adelbert von Chamisso on a literary magazine called Berliner Musenalmanach.
Military and Diplomatic Service
In 1809, Karl August joined the Austrian army. He fought in the Battle of Wagram on July 5, where he was injured. After recovering, he became an assistant to Prince Bentheim. He traveled with the Prince to Paris and continued his studies there.
In 1812, he started working for the Prussian government in Berlin. Soon after, he joined the Russian army as a captain. He served as an assistant to General Friedrich Karl von Tettenborn. He traveled with Tettenborn to Hamburg and Paris. Karl August wrote about his experiences in two books: History of the Events in Hamburg (1813) and History of Tettenborn's Campaigns (1814).
He also worked as a tutor for wealthy Jewish families. This allowed him to meet many young, famous writers of his time. These included Adelbert von Chamisso, Justinus Kerner, Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué, and Ludwig Uhland.
Important Political Roles
In 1814, Karl August Varnhagen von Ense went with Prince Hardenberg to the Congress of Vienna. This was a big meeting where European leaders decided on the future of Europe after the Napoleonic Wars.
From 1815 to 1819, he served as a Prussian diplomat in Karlsruhe. After 1819, he mainly lived in Berlin. He held the title "Geheimer Legationsrat," which meant he was a secret councilor for foreign affairs. Even though he didn't have a regular official job, he often worked on important political matters.
He also wrote many letters to Alexander von Humboldt, a famous scientist and explorer. Two books of Humboldt's letters to him have been published.
Karl August Varnhagen von Ense passed away on October 10, 1858, in Berlin. He was playing chess with his niece when he died. His last words were, "I lost."
His Writings and Legacy
Karl August Varnhagen von Ense was known as a smart and thoughtful writer. He is most famous for his biographies. He was very good at gathering facts and showing their true meaning. His writing style was strong, graceful, and clear.
Some of his main works include:
- Goethe in the Accounts of Contemporaries (1824)
- Biographical Memorials (5 volumes, 1824–30)
- Biographies of important military leaders like General von Seydlitz (1834) and Field-Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher (who won against Napoleon at Waterloo). He also wrote about Sophia Charlotte, Queen of Prussia (1837), and other generals.
His collected writings, called Memoirs and Miscellaneous Writings, were published in nine volumes between 1843 and 1859. The last two volumes came out after he died. His niece, Ludmilla Assing, later published more of his writings. These included his diaries (14 volumes, 1861–70) and his letters to famous people.
Family Life
In 1814, Karl August married Rahel Levin. She was a well-known host of a salon, which was a gathering of important people for discussions. Rahel had converted from Judaism to Christianity before their marriage.
Karl August loved his wife very much. She supported and encouraged him in his writing. She was a big source of inspiration for him. He was deeply saddened by her death in 1833. He published memorial books with her writings, including Rahel, a Memorial Book for Her Friends (3 volumes, 1834).
See also
In Spanish: Karl August Varnhagen von Ense para niños
