author
gróf János Nepomuk Jozsef Mailáth
1786–1855
A Hungarian count, historian, and poet, he helped bring Hungarian legends and history to German-speaking readers in the early 19th century. His work blends literary curiosity with a strong interest in Hungary’s past and folklore.
1 Audiobook
Magyar regék, mondák és népmesék
by gróf János Nepomuk Jozsef Mailáth
About the author
Born in Pest in 1786, he studied philosophy in Eger and law in Győr before entering public service. After working in the Hungarian court chancellery in Vienna, he left government service because of worsening eyesight and turned more fully toward writing.
He became known as a historian and poet, publishing works on Hungarian history and collections drawn from Hungarian legends, tales, and folk tradition. He wrote mainly in German, which helped introduce Hungarian subjects to readers beyond Hungary.
Late in life he left Vienna after the upheavals of 1848. He died in Bavaria in 1855.