Heinrich Heine

Heinrich Heine (1797–1856) was a German poet, journalist, and literary critic whose work bridged late Romantic lyricism and sharp political commentary. Born in Düsseldorf, he studied law at several German universities but turned to writing, gaining early fame with *Buch der Lieder* (1827). Heine also produced influential travel and essayistic prose, including *Reisebilder* (1826–1831), combining wit, observation, and social critique. In 1831 he moved to Paris, where he lived in exile for most of his remaining years and wrote extensively on French and German culture and politics. His later years were marked by severe illness, yet he continued to publish.