Dictionary.net

A German poet of the middle ages, and the most brilliant bard of chivalry; born in the twelfth century, and died between 1210 and 1220. In collaboration with Von Eschenbach, he was author of "Parsifal", the popular "minna" song of its time; but he owes his permanent fame to "Tristan and Isolde", apparently written between 1204 and 1215, and left unfinished. In this story-poem Tristan is sent to woo Isolde in his uncle's name; but he having swallowed a philtre, the two young people fall deeply in love. Straszburg's work is graceful and simple, and he chooses his legendary material with nice critical judgment.