C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
Johann Wilhelm Ludwig Gleim (1719–1803)
Gleim, Johann Wilhelm Ludwig (glīm). A German poet and patron of literature; born in Ermsleben, Halberstadt, April 2, 1719; died on Feb. 18, 1803. He attained prestige as a sort of Mæcenas. ‘An Essay in Sportive Rhyme,’ an early work, shows French influence. The Seven Years’ War afforded him themes for his best work: ‘Songs of a Prussian Grenadier’ are patriotic outbursts.’ Petrarcan Songs,’ ‘Horatian Odes,’ ‘Songs in Imitation of Anacreon,’ and ‘Epigrammatic Verse’ are pleasing, but less interesting. His fables and tales became extremely popular.