Heinrich Beck (2 April 1929 [Dürrenzimmern] – 5 June 2019 [Aschheim]) was a German scholar in Old Germanic and Old Norse Studies, and a leading figure in the re-orientation of Germanic Studies throughout the second half of the twentieth century. He became internationally renowned as managing editor of the interdisciplinary encyclopaedia

Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde

and was also the initiator of the associated series of supplemental volumes. In addition to his decades-long activity as an editor, he contributed over 300 publications to the broader field of Medieval Studies, and several of his books have been reprinted in recent years.

Beck started his career as a schoolteacher in Germany in the early 1950s, before enrolling as a student in German Studies, Scandinavian

2248 words

Citation: van Nahl, Jan Alexander. "Heinrich Beck". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 16 November 2022 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=14828, accessed 03 October 2024.]

14828 Heinrich Beck 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

Save this article

Leave Feedback

The Literary Encyclopedia is a living community of scholars. We welcome comments which will help us improve.