Wilhelm Waiblinger is one of the less-known Swabian poets of the early nineteenth century. He began to write and publish early and remained a prolific writer throughout his short life. When he died at age twenty-five he had written lyric and narrative poetry, drama, fiction, criticism, travel reports, and autobiographical accounts; much of his work was done for periodicals. His talent is unquestionable; but his work is of uneven quality, and its reception has ranged from quick dismissal or omission in literary histories to serious scholarly studies and praise for specific achievements. An oversimplified public image as a wild, arrogant, and finally failed genius probably hindered evaluation of his work.

Waiblinger is also noteworthy for his acquaintance with several literary figures. Before he was eighteen he met Gustav Schwab, Friedrich von Matthisson, and Ludwig Uhland; Eduard Mörike was a close friend for a while. Waiblinger sought...