New Kleist Letters Discovered in Austria

Previously unknown letters from the German poet Heinrich von Kleist have been discovered in a library in Tyrol, Austria.

The letters, which date from 1801 to 1803, were found in the library of the Stift Stams, a monastery in the Tyrol region of Austria. They are addressed to Kleist's friend and fellow writer, Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué.

The letters provide new insights into Kleist's life and work.

They reveal his struggles with depression and his relationships with other writers. They also shed light on his creative process and his thoughts on art and literature.

The discovery of the letters is a significant event for scholars of German literature. They provide new insights into the life and work of one of Germany's most important writers.

Background

Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811) was a German poet, playwright, novelist, and short story writer. He is considered one of the most important figures of the German Romantic movement.

Kleist's work is characterized by its intensity, passion, and pessimism. He often explored dark and disturbing themes, such as death, madness, and betrayal.

Kleist's most famous works include the plays "The Broken Jug" (1806), "Penthesilea" (1808), and "The Prince of Homburg" (1810), as well as the novellas "Michael Kohlhaas" (1808) and "The Marquise of O..." (1808).

The Letters

The newly discovered letters from Kleist to Fouqué date from 1801 to 1803. They provide new insights into Kleist's life and work during this period.

In the letters, Kleist discusses his struggles with depression. He also writes about his relationships with other writers, including Fouqué, Goethe, and Schiller.

The letters also shed light on Kleist's creative process. He discusses his ideas for new works and his thoughts on art and literature.

Significance

The discovery of the Kleist letters is a significant event for scholars of German literature. They provide new insights into the life and work of one of Germany's most important writers.

The letters are currently being studied by scholars at the University of Innsbruck. They will be published in a scholarly edition in the near future.