Heinrich Zschokke

Johann Heinrich Daniel Zschokke (22 March 177127 June 1848) was a German, later Swiss, author and reformer. Most of his life was spent, and most of his reputation earned, in Switzerland. He had an extensive civil service career, and wrote histories, fiction and other works which were widely known.

Biography

Youth and early career in Prussia Born in Magdeburg, Prussia, he was educated at the monasterial school and at the Altstädter Gymnasium there. He ran away from school at 17, and spent some time as playwright with a company of traveling actors. Later, he studied philosophy, theology and history at the University of Frankfurt (Oder), where in 1792 he established himself as a privatdozent (associate professor or lecturer).

While a privatdozent, Zschokke created a sensation by publishing the extravagant novel, (Abaellino, the great bandit, 1793; subsequently also dramatized), modelled on Schiller's , and the melodramatic tragedy (1796). His authority was ultimately extended over the cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Zug. Zschokke distinguished himself by the vigour of his administration and by the enthusiasm with which he devoted himself to the interests of the poorer classes of the community. In 1800, he reorganized the institutions of the Italian cantons and was appointed lieutenant-governor of the canton of Basel. he died at his country house of Blumenhalde on the Aar.