author
George Hesekiel
1819–1874
A 19th-century German writer and journalist, he moved from early literary work into political and historical writing and became especially known for patriotic verse and a widely read life of Bismarck.
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About the author
Born in Halle on August 12, 1819, George Hesekiel — also listed as Johann Georg Ludwig Hesekiel — grew up in a Protestant family with strong literary ties. He studied history and philosophy at Halle, Jena, and Berlin, then turned to journalism and literature early in his career.
He wrote poetry, fiction, drama, and nonfiction, and his name became particularly associated with the patriotic Preussische Lieder (Prussian Songs) published in the 1840s. Later he was also known for historical and political subjects, including a biography of Otto von Bismarck that helped carry his work beyond Germany.
Hesekiel died in Berlin on February 26, 1874. Today he is remembered as a versatile 19th-century man of letters whose work reflects the political energy and literary culture of his time.