Ludwig, Otto (1813–1865)

German novelist and playwright. He achieved success with a drama, Der Erbförster 1850, followed by Die Makkabäer 1852. His extraordinary power of psychological analysis is seen in his pictures of Thuringian life, Die Heiterkeit und ihr Widerspiel 1854 and Zwischen Himmel und Erde 1856. His Shakespearestudien, published posthumously 1891, shows a fine discriminating taste. His Gesammelte Schriften were published 1891–92 and 1900.

Ludwig was born in Eisfeld, Thuringia. He studied music under Mendelssohn, but later adopted a literary career. Unfortunately his creative powers were crippled by illness, and by excessive self-criticism.