Ludwig Derleth

Derleth, Ludwig (Gerolzhofen, Lower Franconia, 1870-1948, San Pietro di Stabio, Switzerland), a classics teacher at a grammar school, became associated with Stefan George's circle (see George-Kreis), and devoted himself to writing. He lived at first in Munich (1895-1925), later in Rome, Basel, and finally, from 1935, in S. Pietro in Ticino, Switzerland. Derleth was a Roman Catholic of strong and militant outlook who conceived the establishment of a new lay order. His belief is expressed in Der fränkische Koran (1932), his life work, begun in 1892, and comprising 15, 000 lines. He also wrote Seraphinische Hochzeit (1939) and Der Tod des Thanatos (1946).