Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Hoffmann, August Heinrich
HOFFMANN, AUGUST HEINRICH
(hof'män), commonly called , a German philologist;
born in Fallersleben, Lüneburg,
April 2, 1798. He was destined for
theology, but devoted himself to
philological studies. In 1830 he was appointed
Professor of German Literature, but
the publication of his “Unpolitical Songs”
(1840-1841), in spite of their innocent
title, led to his dismissal. For several
years afterward he wandered through
Europe till restored to favor in 1848.
His own “Poems” (1834); “German
Street Songs” (1843); “Soldier Songs”
(1851-1852); etc., are characterized by
genuine simplicity and pathos; and his
other publications — “Belgian Hours”
(1830-1852); “Foundations for the
History of the German Language and
Literature” (1830-1837); “History of
German Church Hymn” (1832), are of great
philological value. He died Jan. 19,
1874.