Wilhelm Meyer-Förster

Born in Hanover on June 12, 1862, Wilhelm Meyer-Förster was a German novelist and playwright. He also wrote under the pen name Samar Gregorow, and he died in Heringsdorf on March 17, 1934.

He is most closely associated with Alt-Heidelberg, the story that became especially famous through later stage and screen adaptations, including The Student Prince. That lasting connection helped keep his name alive even as many other popular writers of his era faded from general view.

Meyer-Förster wrote for a broad audience, and his reputation rests on his gift for warm, accessible storytelling built around love, youth, and the emotional pull of old-world student life.