August Stramm

Writer, born in Munster, Germany. He was director of the Post in Berlin and then wrote for the periodical Der Sturm, edited by Herwarth Walden. In his innovative early Expressionist poetry he explored new methods of expression and syntax and the idea of the single word as an art form, as in the collection Du (1915). Pantomime and a sparse use of language characterize his plays, in which plot and psychological development of character are secondary. His best-known works are the plays Erwachen (1915) and Geschehen (1916). He was killed on active service in Russia in 1915.

August Stramm (July 29, 1874–September 1, 1915) was a German poet and playwright who is considered one of the first of the expressionists. He also served in the German Army and was killed in action during World War I.

He worked in the German Post Office Ministry as a young man and served his mandatory year of duty in the German Army in 1896–1897.

Stramm was also a reservist in the German Army and had achieved the rank of Captain, the highest available to civilians. Later that year, he was sent to the Eastern Front, where he served as Company Leader, later being promoted to Battalion Commander.

A collection of his poems, titled Dripping Blood, was published after his death in 1919.