E. T. A. Hoffmann E.T.A. Hoffmann (1776–1822) was a writer, composer, and painter. Born in Prussia, he served as a law officer until Napoleon’s invasion, after which he settled in Germany and turned his attention to the arts. He is best remembered for his writings of omanticism and Gothic Horror, and for his novella originally titled Nutcracker and Mouse King, which later inspired Tchaikovsky’s ballet. Read More Read Less