Philosopher, political writer. Born in Bergen on island of Rügen. Studied at Halle, Jena, and Heidelberg. Became adherent of party that sought to create free, united Germany. Imprisoned, 1824-1830, for his views and activities. Was for some years university professor. Co-Founder, 1838, of Hallische Jahrbücher für deutsche Wissenschaft und Kunst, in which he discussed questions of the time from the point of view of Hegelian philosophy; the periodical suppressed in 1843. In revolutionary movement of 1848, organized Extreme Left in Frankfurt Parliament. Forced to flee Germany; took refuge in London. There helped form European Democratic Committee, but soon withdrew from its activities. Settled in Brighton; resided there for remainder of his life, having become naturalized British citizen; supported himself by teaching and writing; at times lectured in London. In 1866 strongly supported Prussia against Austria, and in 1870 Germany against France. In last years of his life received pension from German government. Was important not only for philosophical and political writings, but for literary and aesthetic criticism; was also dramatist, poet, narrative writer. His Gesammelte Schriften, 10 volumes, published 1846-1848; his memoirs, Aus früherer Zeit, 1862-1867. Mention of him in English writings appears in memoirs and letters, as in those of William James Linton, Gustave Strauss, George Eliot, and others.

Author: Anne Lohrli; © University of Toronto Press, 1971.

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography