Dictionary.net

A distinguished German Oriental scholar and historian of literature; born in Schwerin, Aug. 2, 1815; died in Rome, April 14, 1894. His works embrace many subjects; but his especial distinction is as a student and critic of Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit literature. He published: "History of Dramatic Art and Literature in Spain" (1845-46); "Poetry and Art of the Arabs in Spain and Sicily" (1865); "History of the Normans in Sicily" (1889); etc. His translations of Oriental classics are celebrated, and include "Hero Songs[or epics] of Firdusi" (1851), for which he was decorated by the Shah; "Firdusi" (1853), additional translations; "Strophes of Omar Khayyam" (1878); "Voices from the Ganges", a series of Hindu poems; "Mejnun and Leila", the famous story by Jami; etc. He also wrote original poetry, but not until he had attained his sixtieth year; among his verse being "Lotus Leaves" (1882), "Memnon" (1885), "Epistles and Elegies" (1894), etc. He is the author of an interesting work on "Mazzini and Unified Italy".