Robert Walser

About

Walser, a German-language author and poet, is most remembered for Jakob von Gunten, Gedichte, Geschwister Tanner, and other modernist works. His literary works often camouflage existential struggles with a placid humor.

Before Fame

In his early adulthood, he attempted to become an actor but ended up working as a clerk instead.

Trivia

He spent time in a mental institution and died of a heart attack in the snow outside of the asylum.

Family Life

He was born into a large family on the border between the French and German-speaking regions of Switzerland, and he grew up fluent in both tongues.

Associated With

He was an enthusiastic theater patron and a great admirer of The Robbers and other plays by Friedrich Schiller.