Hoffmann, E.T.A.

The German author, composer and artist E.T.A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus, originally Ernst Theodor Wilhelm) Hoffmann was born in the East Prussian town of Königsberg (present-day Kaliningrad). His parents separated when he was still a child, and his mother and her son went to stay with relatives. He was taught music and drawing at an early age, and later went on to study law between 1792 and 1795. Alongside his studies he worked as a music teacher and developed his artistic talents. After having passed his first state exam he found employment in Königsberg, but a love affair forced him to leave (he had several unhappy love affairs).