Death of Heinrich Heine

The internationally acclaimed German poet dies in Paris

Born in Düsseldorf in 1797 to Jewish parents, the young Harry Heine soon discovered his love of writing. Hoping to get on in the world, Harry changed his name to Heinrich and presented himself for baptism. Whatever his name, the young writer had talent and enjoyed increasing success. His poems – such as The Lorelei – and travelogues were especially popular. Although the liberal tone of his satirical works struck a chord amongst the reading public, nationalists and anti-Semites felt threatened. Heine’s work also suffered under the censor’s pen. This explains his departure for Paris in 1831, where he remained until his death.

Although Heine felt less constrained in the more liberal atmosphere of Paris and soon found a new audience, he continued to write in German. In so doing, he sought to explain France to the Germans and reduce the enmity that had resulted from the Napoleonic occupation. Heine’s health deteriorated, likely due to tuberculosis or a nervous disorder, to the extent that he spent years bedridden or trapped in his “mattress tomb” as he put it. Heinrich Heine died on 17 February 1856. Today, he is one of the world’s most celebrated and translated German writers.