Richard Wilhelm

Wilhelm Grimm, born in 1786, was a German author, philologist, and anthropologist, famously known as the younger brother of Jacob Grimm and part of the literary duo, the Brothers Grimm. He shared an exceptionally close bond with his brother, living and working in close proximity throughout their lives, even sharing living spaces and resources. Despite a childhood illness that weakened him, Wilhelm pursued literary studies with a focused intensity.

Wilhelm married Henriette Dorothea Wild in 1825, and their marriage did not disrupt the harmonious relationship he maintained with his brother. He possessed a more sociable and jovial disposition than Jacob, enjoying music and excelling at storytelling, which made him a more frequent presence in social circles. The brothers are most renowned for their collection of fairy tales, first published in 1812. Wilhelm also participated with his brother and other colleagues in protesting against a constitutional violation by the King of Hanover, an action that led to their dismissal from the University of Göttingen.

Born in Hanau in 1786, Wilhelm Grimm began his legal studies at the University of Marburg in 1803, a year after his brother Jacob. The two brothers maintained an extraordinary closeness throughout their lives, sharing living quarters, furnishings, and possessions. This deep connection extended to their academic pursuits, where they worked in close collaboration. Despite suffering from a significant illness during his youth that left him physically weakened, Wilhelm developed a focused approach to his studies, primarily concentrating on literary matters. He tended to concentrate his intellectual energy on specific, well-defined areas of research, meticulously utilizing all information relevant to his chosen fields.

Wilhelm Grimm's personality contrasted with that of his more energetic brother. While physically less robust, he possessed a strong appreciation for music and a natural talent for narration, often delighting others with his storytelling abilities. Described as animated and jovial, Wilhelm was more inclined to engage in social activities than Jacob. This sociable nature did not, however, detract from his scholarly work. His most enduring legacy, alongside his brother Jacob, is the collection of fairy tales, first published in 1812, which has become a cornerstone of world literature. Their joint academic endeavors also included a notable protest against political infringements on constitutional rights at the University of Göttingen.

“they both live in the same house, and in such harmony and community that one might almost imagine the children were common property.”

“Wilhelm read a sort of farce written in the Frankfort dialect, depicting the 'malheurs' of a rich Frankfort tradesman on a holiday jaunt on Sunday. It was very droll, and he read it admirably.”

“an uncommonly animated, jovial fellow.”