1777-1811
The German poet, playwright and novelist Heinrich von Kleist committed suicide in bizarre circumstances at the age of 34, leaving behind a small, intense oeuvre, including Michael Kohlhaus , Die Marquise von 0 and Penthesilea (to be broadcast next Sunday). On the occasion of the bicentenary of his birth, George Steiner examines Kleist's writings and equally extraordinary life, and explains why they have such an enduring claim upon our attentions.