Dictionary.net

pseudonym of Wilhelm Haring. A notable German novelist; born at Breslau, June 29, 1798; died at Arnstadt, Dec. 16, 1871. The writings of Sir Walter Scott made so profound an impression upon his imagination that almost all his work plainly shows the influence of the author of "Waverley". His first important work, indeed, -a romance, "Walladmor", -purported to be a translation from Scott, as did his second, "Avalon Castle". The finest products of his genius are historical tales of Prussia, with Frederick the Great as hero, and among them "Cabanis" stands prominently forth. "The False Waldemar" and "Peace is the First Civic Duty" are also excellent novels. As a poet he is pleasing and not infrequently impressive, but his stanzas are wanting in true originality. His popularity as a writer of fiction was due to a capacity for presenting the interesting phase of historical themes, and to his fecundity of plot and incident; but his best stories are marred by over-elaboration, and by tricks of style.