Wilhelm Müller was caught up and influenced by the urge to find simplicity and homeliness in the folk-song tradition, while at the same time his verse reflected his widely ranging knowledge of German and European literature. His work as editor, reviewer, and translator demonstrates his critical ability, his alert understanding, and his energy. He was liberal in politics, happy that Napoleon's defeat in 1815 might mean freedom for German people from foreign domination. He became impatient with the censorship imposed in the years following and sponsored enthusiastically the cause of the Greeks in their struggle against Turkish oppression. In his political interests he had something in common with the Young German movement. Some of his lyrical poems are widely known through having been set to music by Franz Schubert in some of his finest songwriting. Although the music of the two song cycles is particularly outstanding, the...