Dániel Berzsenyi (1776-1836)

Biography

Daniel Berzsenyi was born in western Hungary, in the small village of Egyházashetye. After his studies in Sopron, he returned home and overtook his father in leading their farm. It was here, in seeming isolation, where he started writing poems. A friend and also a poet in Sopron, János Kis noticed Berzsenyi's talent, and sent some of his writings to Kazinczy, the then unquestionable authority of the Hungarian literary circles. Meanwhile, Berzsenyi moved to Southwestern Hungary to Nikla, a small village in Somogy county. Here, along with difficulties in farming with his workers, he continued his writings. After long years of preparation for publishing the first collection of poems, the volume eventually was published in 1813. His work was a clear success, even though, as it is always the case, he also received some criticisms as well. His unusually sensitive personality was severely impacted by these criticisms and particularly that of Kölcsey, a poet genius of the time. Although originally preparing for an appropriate reply, he gradually withdrew himself from poetry over the years. Physical illness, and later mental depression further complicated his life. He never was able to regain confidence in his talent, not even when the National Academy, the most prestigious body of scientists, artists and intellectuals of the country elected him as a new member. He died in desperation and dissatisfaction, with a never satisfied need for recognition, which eventually came to him in the twentieth century.

Selected poems

A Közelítõ Tél
Levéltöredék barátnémhoz