Laube, Heinrich (1806–1884)

German novelist and playwright, born at Sprottau, Silesia. In spite of a career interrupted by political involvement (he was a leader of the ‘Young Germany’ movement), his output of dramas and novels was considerable. Most notable are his plays Graf Essex 1856 and Montrose 1859. His novels include Die Böhminger 1880 and Der Schatten Wilhelms 1883. Laube was director of the Vienna Burgtheater 1849–67 and his history of the theatre is an important sourcebook of theatrical practice.