Karl Kiesewetter

Born on April 14, 1854, and dying in Meiningen on April 15, 1895, Karl Kiesewetter—also found as Carl Kiesewetter—was a German occultist, theosophist, and author of esoteric works. He also published under the Latinized name Carolus Kiesewetterus.

Kiesewetter is best remembered for ambitious studies of occult history and practice, including works on ancient occultism, modern occultism, Faust, and Franz Anton Mesmer. Modern publishers and library records continue to note him as an important late 19th-century writer on esotericism, and some descriptions call him one of the most influential German theosophical writers of his time.

He lived in Meiningen and was associated with the theosophical lodge Germania. Though his life was short, his books remained in circulation well after his death and are still read today by people interested in the history of magic, mysticism, and Western esoteric traditions.