Heinrich Hoffmann Passport: Author of Struwwelpeter
What a fantastic German travel document from 1842 issued to the author of the STRUWWELPETER! Every child in Germany knows the tales of Struwwelpeter – a forerunner of modern comic books. However, the auction took a surprising turn… Heinrich Hoffmann Passport Struwwelpeter
Der Struwwelpeter (“Shock-headed Peter”) Heinrich Hoffmann Passport Struwwelpeter
is a German children’s book from 1845, written and illustrated by Heinrich Hoffmann. The work features ten rhymed and vividly illustrated cautionary tales, primarily centered on children. Each story conveys a moral lesson, often through exaggerated depictions of the dire consequences of misbehavior. The book takes its name from the first tale, which also serves as its title. Recognized as one of the earliest examples of a children’s book combining visual and verbal storytelling, Der Struwwelpeter is often regarded as a forerunner of modern comic books.
Der Struwwelpeter remains a well-known classic, especially in German-speaking countries, though its popularity has evolved over time. It is valued as a historical artifact and an early example of children’s literature that combines text and illustration.
Today, it is often appreciated more for its cultural and literary significance than for its use as a children’s book. The exaggerated, moralistic tales can feel outdated or overly harsh by modern standards, but the book continues to fascinate readers due to its dark humor, vivid illustrations, and insight into 19th-century pedagogical approaches.
In contemporary culture, Struwwelpeter has inspired adaptations, parodies, and scholarly analysis. It also serves as a source of nostalgia for adults who encountered the stories in childhood. While not as widely read or used for educational purposes as in the past, it endures as a symbol of a bygone era in children’s storytelling.
Heinrich Hoffmann (1809–1894) Heinrich Hoffmann Passport Struwwelpeter
was a German physician, poet, and author, best known for creating Der Struwwelpeter (1845), a groundbreaking children’s book. Dissatisfied with existing children’s literature, Hoffmann wrote and illustrated the book as a Christmas gift for his son. Der Struwwelpeter features ten cautionary tales, each teaching moral lessons through rhymed text and exaggerated, often macabre illustrations. The work’s blend of visual and verbal storytelling marked it as a precursor to modern comic books. While controversial for its dark themes, the book achieved enduring fame and remains a fascinating cultural artifact, reflecting 19th-century approaches to education and discipline.
The Passport
Hoffmann’s original passport 1842, issued by the city of Frankfurt, “for visiting the insane asylums & for pleasure”. Handwritten passport valid for six months for travel to “Austria and the other German states, for visiting the insane asylums & for pleasure”. With detailed personal description: “Age: 43 years – Height: five feet five inches, Rhenish – Hair: brown – Forehead: open – Eyebrows: blond – Eyes: blue – Mouth: medium – Chin: round – Face: oval – Complexion: healthy”. On the back with the stamped permits for the places visited: Vienna, Prague and Dresden. Heinrich Hoffmann Passport Struwwelpeter
The document was offered by a German auction house for €1000 + a hefty 32% buyers’ premium. However, the document did not sell and is not available for post-auction purchase. Upon inquiring with the auction house, I was informed that all Hoffmann lots were withdrawn due to unresolved ownership issues 30 minutes before the auction, even they confirmed a traceable provenance. It is surprising that such a withdrawal occurred only during the auction itself, as these events typically involve months of meticulous preparation to address any uncertainties beforehand.
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