Hoffmann, Heinrich August

1798-1874

German hymn-writer and composer of music and poems for children. He was born in Hanover and educated at Helmstedt, Brunswick, and, under Grimm, at the University of Gottingen. After studying Dutch literature in Holland, he was appointed, in 1830, as assistant, and in 1835 as professor in ordinary of the German language at Breslau, Prussia. His political opinions caused his dismissal in 1843, but he was allowed to return five years later. He eventually became librarian to Prince Lippe at Corvey, in whose service he died. He published Geschichte des deutschen Kirchenlieds; Schlesische Volkslieder mit melodien; Deutsche Gesellschaftslieder des 16-17 Jahrhunderts; and Kinderlieder.