DEHMEL, RICHARD (1863-192o), German poet, was born in Wendisch-Hermsdorf, Brandenburg, on Nov. 18, 1863. He was educated in Kremmen, Berlin and Danzig, and in 1882 began to study philosophy, natural sciences and social economy, and also became editor of a provincial newspaper. From 1887-95 he was secretary of the Union of German Fire Insurance Companies. In 1891 he published his first volume of poetry, Erlosungen. This was followed by Aber die Liebe (1893), and JV eib and Welt (1896) . From 1899 until 1902 he travelled in Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Holland and England, and afterwards lived in Blankenese, near Hamburg. In collaboration with his first wife, Paula Dehmel, he published some books for children including Fitzebutze (19°7). He wrote a novel in lyrical form, Zwei Menschen in 1903, the epic composition Die V erwandlungen der Venus in 1904 and also dramas and pantomimes. He took part as a volunteer in the World War, and in 1919 published his diary, Zwischen Krieg and Menschheit. Amongst his dramas, Die Menschen f reunde (1917 ) was successful. His Collected Works, io vols., began publication in 1906. Dehmel's work is characterized by most unusual emo tional power. His theme, whether it be erotic or social, awakens in him an intensity of feeling which seeks expression with almost explosive force. Sometimes taste and even sense are swept away in this torrent ; on the other hand, Dehmel had a very strong feel ing for form and music, and his best pieces, where form and thought have been most successfully welded together, are among the masterpieces of the German lyric. He died at Blankanese, Feb. 8, 1920.