Friedrich Wolters

Friedrich Wilhelm Wolters (2 September 1876 in Uerdingen – 14 April 1930 in Munich) was a German historian, poet and translator; one of the central figures in the George-Kreis.

He was the son of Friedrich Wolters, a businessman, and received his primary education in Rheydt and graduated from a gymnasium in Munich.

From 1899, he studied history and economics at Friedrich Wilhelm University in Berlin, with Kurt Breysig [de] and Gustav von Schmoller.

In 1909, after many years of trying to meet the poet Stefan George, whom he greatly admired, he finally attracted his attention with a pamphlet called Herrschaft und Dienst (Leadership and Service).

For this purpose, he published a new journal, the Jahrbuch für die geistige Bewegung [de] (Yearbook for the Spiritual Movement), edited by Friedrich Gundolf.

His reverence reached the point where other members of the Circle referred to him as "St. Paul", and friends from his earlier days were appalled by what they considered to be a "hideous transformation".

In fact, many of George's followers were uncomfortable with this degree of adoration, so Wolters essentially ended by creating his own "Circle".

He served as a driver and courier in several places, on both fronts, but never saw combat, although he did witness some events of the Serbian campaign.

In 1920, he was appointed Professor of History at the University of Marburg, where he sought talented young men to join the Circle; making a significant impression on many.

He owed that appointment to Carl Heinrich Becker, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, who used his influence to promote members of the Circle.

[9] He also became involved in issues of racial purity, and was a major contributor to encouraging belief in what was called "Die schwarze Schmach" (The Black Disgrace).