Theodor Fontane (1819-1898)

German novelist, a distinguished 19th century critical realist.

1819    

Theodor Fontane is born in Neuruppin on 30^th December.

1826   

Sale of the Löwen pharmacy in Neuruppin.

1827    

The family moves to Swinemünde.

1832    

Enrolment in the third year of Neuruppin secondary school.

1833    

Attendance of a vocational school in Berlin.

1836

Apprentice in the "Zum weißen Schwan" (White Swan) pharmacy, Berlin.

1844

The first journey to London left him with an “indelible” impression”.

1844

Member of the writers’ association "Tunnel über der Spree" (Tunnel over the Spree).

1845

Engagement to Emilie Rouanet-Kummer, marriage in 1850

1847

Licence to practice as a pharmacist.

1848

Participation in combat on the barricades in Berlin.

1849

Abandons his career as a pharmacist. Writer and journalist.

1850

Parents separate without divorce

1851

Birth of the first son, George Emile.

1851

“Central office for press matters” with the Prussian government.

1852

Correspondent in London.

1852, 1853, 1855

Birth of the sons Rudolf, Peter Paul and Ullrich. All three die shortly after delivery.

1855 - 59

Work in England (“German-English correspondence”, publicist).
The plan for the “Walks in the March of Brandenburg” emerged here.

1856

Birth of the fifth son Theodore Henry in Berlin.

1860

His daughter Martha (named Mete) is born.

1860

Editor with the "Neue Preußischen Zeitung" [New Prussian Newspaper] (Kreuzzeitung).

1862

First volume of the “Wanderungen..." ("County of Ruppin") is published.

1864

His son Friedrich is born.

1864

Reports on the German-Danish war.

1870

Theatre critic with the “Vossischen Zeitung” newspaper.

1870

Reports on the Franco-Prussian war, arrest.

1874/75

Journeys to Italy, Switzerland and Austria.

1898