George, Stefan, << gay OHR guh, SHTEH fahn >> (1868-1933), was a major German representative of the European Symbolism movement in poetry. He was the intellectual leader of a group of poets, philosophers, and scholars who insisted on a noble poetic language, classical forms, and the detachment of literature and art from everyday reality. George rejected Realism and Naturalism, movements designed to make art and literature reflect life. George supported the principle of art for art’s sake. He regarded the poet, especially himself, as a seer and priestlike figure.
Most of George’s poems appear in groups called cycles. They express an aristocratic concept of life, a cult of beauty, and a preference for mythological, historical, and legendary subject matter. His works include Algabal (1892), The Year of the Soul (1897), The Star of the League (1914), and The New Kingdom (1928).
George was born in Budesheim, Hesse, on July 12, 1868. He traveled widely in Europe during most of his life. He died on Dec. 4, 1933.
