Johann Rudolf Wyss

Background

Johann Rudolf Wyss was born on 4 March 1782.

Education

A promising student during his early education in Bern, he continued his studies in theology and philosophy at Tübingen, Göttingen and Halle, and was named professor of philosophy in the Bern Academy at the age of 24.

Career

Wyss is remembered chiefly for his connection with Der Schweizerische Robinson (The Swiss Family Robinson). He edited the manuscript of this story written by his father, Johann David Wyss (1743 - 1818), and was responsible for its publication in Zürich in the years 1812 and 1813. The book has been translated into almost every European language and has enjoyed a continuing and general popularity as a story for children. Since the first English translation (London, 1814) some 200 versions have been published in England and America (American edition, 1848). Another lasting reminder of Wyss is his authorship of the Swiss national hymn Rufst du, mein Vaterland (1811), set to the air of God Save the King. However, his place in Swiss literature depends on his work as a reviewer and popularizer of themes from Swiss history and folk tradition rather than on his quality as an original writer. Among his editorial productions are collections of folk songs and legends, and editions of old Swiss chronicles. The same interests are evident in his work as the principal editor of the Swiss literary magazine Die Alpenrosen between the years 1810 and 1830.

Achievements

• He is best remembered for his collections of Swiss folklore and for his completion and editing of his father’s novel Swiss Family Robinson.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Swiss Family Robinson (Wordsworth Classics)

    (The Swiss Family Robinson is a story of the happy discove...)

  • Der schweizerische Robinson (German Edition)

    (Bei diesem Werk handelt es sich um eine urheberrechtsfrei...)

  • Le Robinson suisse (French Edition)

    (Extrait: "D'épais nuages noirs obscurcissaient le ciel. L...)

Connections

Father:

Johann David Wyss