Heldenbriefe

work by Hofmannswaldau

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June 29, 2026

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Heldenbriefe is a significant work by Christian Hofmann von Hofmannswaldau, a leading poet of the "Second Silesian School" in Germany during the Baroque period. Published in 1663, Heldenbriefe translates to "Heroes' Letters" and is a collection of love letters written in both prose and verse.1

Hofmannswaldau's style is characterized by eroticism and exaggerated, high-flown expression, which is fully displayed in this work. The collection exemplifies the extravagant style associated with Baroque literature, similar to that of Italian and Spanish poets of the era.1

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Christian Hofmann von Hofmannswaldau
His most characteristic work is Heldenbriefe (1663; “Heroes’ Letters”), a collection of prose and verse love letters giving full rein to his lascivious, extravagant style. He also published another collection of verse, Grabschriften (1643; “Epitaphs”), and Deutsche Übersetzungen und Gedichte (1673; “German Translations and Poetry”); his translations include Guarini’s famous…
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His most characteristic work is Heldenbriefe (1663; “Heroes’ Letters”), a collection of prose and verse love letters giving full rein to his lascivious, extravagant style. He also published another collection of verse, Grabschriften (1643; “Epitaphs”), and Deutsche Übersetzungen und Gedichte (1673; “German Translations and Poetry”); his translations include Guarini’s famous…
Read More