Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Bürger, Gottfried August

BÜRGER, GOTTFRIED AUGUST, (bürg'er), a German poet, born in Molmerswende, Anhalt, Dec. 31, 1747. Shakespeare and Percy's “Reliques of English Ballad Poetry” had a decisive influence in giving direction to his efforts at poetic expression. “Lenore” (1773), established his reputation as a poet, which was sustained by the ballads that followed it, “The Parson's Daughter,” “The Wild Huntsman,” “The Song of the Brave Man,” “Kaiser and Abbot.” Specimens of his burlesque ballads are “The Robber Count,” “The Wives of Weinsberg.” He died in Göttingen, June 8, 1794.