Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Hutten, Ulrich von

HUTTEN, ULRICH VON, a German controversial satirist; born in Steckelburg, near Fulda, Prussia, April 21, 1488. Of a noble family and destined for the Church, he preferred a life of roving adventure. He rose to fame by brilliant contributions to the current religious and political controversies. His works include: “The Art of Prosody”; “Nemo”; and “Dialogues.” His most noteworthy production, however, is the “Letters of Obscure Men,” mercilessly ridiculing the ignorance of the lower clergy. He died in the island of Ufnau, Lake Zurich, 1523.