Ephraim Kuh

Proving incompetent as an assistant to his uncle, and addicted to books, he travelled for two years through France and Italy (1768–1770), always accompanied by his library in three large chests.

Returning to live in Breslau, he suffered a prolonged nervous breakdown; in 1786 he was paralyzed by a stroke on his right side, from which he never fully recovered.

Kuh, who wrote more than 5000 poems, is believed to be the first Jewish poet to write in the German language.

They contain praise of Frederick the Great of Prussia, but also highlight the problems and indignities experienced by Jews in Germany.

A novel based on Kuh's life, Dichter und Kaufmann (Poet and Merchant), was written in 1839 by Berthold Auerbach.