WILHELM BUSCH
German author and illustrator (1832-1896)
Biography:
Wilhelm Busch was born in 1832 in Wiedensahl (Hanovre). After studying art in Dusseldorf, Anvers and Munich, he became well-known for his work in Fliegende Blätter, published by Braun and Schneider in Munich. But it is in 1858 that Max and Moritz appear with his own drawings and words, narrating the adventures of these two little pranksters. This book has been really successful worldwide and its author has become an important figure of comic strips.
Wilhelm Busch wrote on and published the story of pious Hélène, Klecksel the painter who becomes an innkeeper, and the misfortunes of Balduin Bälamn, the poet who cannot find peace in the countryside.
Thanks to the freedom, nervousness, spontaneity and safety of his stroke while drawing Max and Moritz, Wilhelm Busch can be compared to Töppfer, pioneer in non-touch-up sketch and modern comic strip.
Wilhelm Busch, author of illustrated works:
Max et Moritz, 1865.
Oeuvres complètes, Nöleke, 1955.
Press:
Fliegende Blätter Münchener Bilderbogen
Wilhelm Busch on Internet
Wilhelm Busch's files in English (december 1999)
Sources for Max et Moritz (in German and English december 1999)