author
Robert Haven Schauffler
1879–1964
A lively man of letters who moved easily between music, sport, and storytelling, he wrote poetry, musician biographies, and books that turned holidays and travel into warm, readable subjects. His life brought together the concert hall, the tennis court, and the page in a way that still feels unusual today.
1 Audiobook
The Joyful Heart
by Robert Haven Schauffler
About the author
Born in Brno on April 8, 1879, to American missionary parents, Robert Haven Schauffler grew up in the United States and went on to study at Princeton. He became known not only as a writer but also as a cellist and an accomplished athlete, giving his work an unusually broad, energetic background.
Schauffler published poetry, biographies of major composers including Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann, and a series of books celebrating American holidays. His writing often reflects a love of music and culture, but it is also approachable, shaped by a curiosity about everyday life and the ways people mark seasons, places, and shared traditions.
He also served in wartime and was remembered for his varied public life as a musician, author, and sportsman. Schauffler died in New York City on November 24, 1964, leaving behind a body of work that connects literary grace with a genuine enthusiasm for art, travel, and celebration.