Theodor Fontane

Theodor Fontane (1819–1898) was a German writer associated with poetic realism. Born in Neuruppin, he initially trained as a pharmacist before leaving the profession in 1849 to work as a journalist and freelance writer. From 1855 to 1859 he lived in London as a correspondent; he later worked as a war correspondent and for many years as a theater critic for the Vossische Zeitung. He first became known for poems and ballads, as well as for the five-volume “Wanderings through the Mark Brandenburg.” Fontane began publishing novels only later in life. His major works include “Vor dem Sturm,” “Irrungen, Wirrungen,” “Frau Jenny Treibel,” and “Der Stechlin.” He died in Berlin.