Johann Friedrich Cotta, Freiherr von Cottendorf
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Johann Friedrich Cotta, Baron von Cottendorf, was a prominent German publisher who revitalized his family's publishing house in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is renowned for his significant contributions to German literature, fostering connections with many leading writers of his time, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich von Schiller.1
Cotta's publishing ventures were extensive. He co-founded the literary journal Die Horen with Schiller and became the publisher for a distinguished circle of authors, philosophers, and scholars. This included figures like Johann Gottfried von Herder, Christoph Martin Wieland, Ludwig Tieck, Jean Paul, Heinrich von Kleist, the Humboldt brothers, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, and G.W.F. Hegel.1
In addition to his literary publications, Cotta was instrumental in the newspaper industry, beginning the publication of the Allgemeine Zeitung in 1798. He expanded his business with branches in various German cities and was an advocate for freedom of the press, even presenting a plea at the Congress of Vienna. Cotta also embraced technological advancements, introducing the first steam printing presses in Bavaria.1
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Johann Wolfgang von GoetheNapoleonic period (1805–16) of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe…literary works with the publisher Johann Friedrich Cotta (see Cotta family), who also began the separate printing of his largest work, Zur Farbenlehre (“On the Theory of Colour”; Eng. trans. Goethe’s Color Theory), and in 1806 Goethe sent to him the completed manuscript of part one of Faust. War, however,…
Read More…literary works with the publisher Johann Friedrich Cotta (see Cotta family), who also began the separate printing of his largest work, Zur Farbenlehre (“On the Theory of Colour”; Eng. trans. Goethe’s Color Theory), and in 1806 Goethe sent to him the completed manuscript of part one of Faust. War, however,…
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Friedrich SchillerPhilosophical studies and classical drama of Friedrich Schiller…by Schiller and published by Johann Friedrich Cotta, one of Germany’s leading publishers, whom Schiller had met during a visit to his native Swabia in 1793–94.
Read More…by Schiller and published by Johann Friedrich Cotta, one of Germany’s leading publishers, whom Schiller had met during a visit to his native Swabia in 1793–94.
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