# Robert Walser

> Swiss writer (1878–1956)

**Wikidata**: [Q123075](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123075)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Walser)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-walser

## Summary
Robert Walser was a Swiss writer, poet, and prose writer active from 1898 until his death in 1956. He is best known for his literary contributions, including the novels *Geschwister Tanner*, *The Assistant*, and *Jakob von Gunten*. His work established him as a significant figure in Swiss literature, honored posthumously by the Robert Walser Prize established in 1978.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1878 (specific date and place not provided in source material)
- **Nationality**: Switzerland
- **Education**: Not specified in the provided source material
- **Known for**: Writing novels such as *Geschwister Tanner*, *The Assistant*, and *Jakob von Gunten*; recognized as a poet and prose writer
- **Employer(s)**: Not specified in the provided source material
- **Field(s)**: Literature, Poetry, Prose Writing

## Contributions
Robert Walser's primary contributions are his literary works, which include:
- **Geschwister Tanner**: A novel published in 1907.
- **The Assistant (Walser novel)**: A novel with an inception date of 1907 (published 1908).
- **Jakob von Gunten**: A novel published in 1908.
- **Robert Walser Prize**: A Swiss literary award established in 1978 in his honor, reflecting his lasting impact on Swiss literature.

## FAQs
**What are Robert Walser's most famous works?**
Robert Walser is renowned for three major novels: *Geschwister Tanner* (1907), *The Assistant* (1908), and *Jakob von Gunten* (1908). These works define his legacy as a prose writer and poet.

**How is Robert Walser remembered in Switzerland today?**
His influence is commemorated through the Robert Walser Prize, a Swiss literary award established in 1978. This award continues to recognize excellence in literature within the country he called home.

**What genres did Robert Walser write in?**
He was a versatile writer who worked as a poet and a prose writer. His output included novels and other literary forms that utilized written words to communicate ideas.

**When was Robert Walser active as a writer?**
His professional work period began in 1898 and continued until his death in 1956. This span covers nearly six decades of literary production.

## Why They Matter
Robert Walser matters because he produced a distinct body of work that secured his place in Swiss cultural history. His novels, particularly *Jakob von Gunten* and *The Assistant*, remain key texts in the canon of early 20th-century literature. The establishment of the Robert Walser Prize in 1978 demonstrates that his influence persisted long after his death, inspiring future generations of Swiss writers. Without his contributions, the landscape of Swiss prose and poetry would lack these specific, enduring narratives. His work connects the literary traditions of his time to modern recognition, evidenced by the high number of related Wikipedia articles and the continued study of his life.

## Notable For
- Being a Swiss writer, poet, and prose writer active from 1878 to 1956.
- Authoring the 1907 novel *Geschwister Tanner*.
- Authoring the 1908 novel *The Assistant*.
- Authoring the 1908 novel *Jakob von Gunten*.
- Having a literary award, the Robert Walser Prize, established in his honor in 1978.
- Holding the alias "Robert Otto Walser."
- Maintaining a dedicated website at https://www.robertwalser.ch.
- Being recognized with a Wikipedia title and 49 sitelinks across various languages.

## Body

### Early Life and Identity
Robert Walser was a human being born in 1878 and died in 1956. He was a citizen of Switzerland, a country located in Central Europe. While the specific date of his birth is not detailed in the provided text, his life spanned the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. He is identified by the alias "Robert Otto Walser." His primary identity was that of a Swiss writer, encompassing roles as both a poet and a prose writer.

### Career and Work Period
Walser's professional career as a writer began in 1898. He remained active in the literary field until his death in 1956. His work involved using written words to communicate ideas and produce literary works. He is categorized specifically as a prose writer and a poet. The source material does not list specific employers or educational institutions, focusing instead on his output as an author. His career is marked by the publication of several significant novels during the early 1900s.

### Major Literary Works
Walser's bibliography includes several landmark novels. *Geschwister Tanner* was published in 1907. *The Assistant*, also known as *Der Gehülfe*, has an inception date of 1907 and was published as a novel in 1908. Another major work, *Jakob von Gunten*, was also published in 1908. These works are central to his legacy and are frequently cited in literary discussions. The specific dates of inception for these works are recorded as 1907 and 1908, highlighting a productive period in his career.

### Legacy and Recognition
The impact of Robert Walser's work is evident in the establishment of the Robert Walser Prize. This Swiss literary award was founded in 1978, more than two decades after his death, to honor his contributions. The prize is associated with Switzerland and continues to be active. His influence is further measured by the high number of related entities in knowledge bases, including 49 sitelinks on Wikipedia. He is often discussed alongside other notable Swiss writers such as Paul Nizon, Gerhard Meier, and Peter Bichsel, as well as the Bohemian writer Franz Kafka.

### Digital Presence and Information
A dedicated website exists for Robert Walser at https://www.robertwalser.ch, serving as a central hub for information about his life and work. His Wikipedia title is "Robert Walser," and he has a significant presence in digital encyclopedias with 49 sitelinks. The data regarding his life is supported by various references, including specific identifiers like  codes found in the source material. These digital footprints ensure that his story and works remain accessible to researchers and readers worldwide.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. LIBRIS. 2012
4. The Fine Art Archive
5. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. MusicBrainz
9. HelveticArchives
10. Robert Walser. RKDartists
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. SNAC
13. Find a Grave
14. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
15. filmportal.de
16. Theaterlexikon der Schweiz
17. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
18. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
19. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. CONOR.SI
22. Autoritats UB
23. Goodreads
24. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
25. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
26. performing-arts.ch
27. Catalogo of the National Library of India