TwoMemorial Noteson Michael Hamburger

AnthonyRudolf

Michael Hamburger was born on March 22 (the date of Goethe’s death) anddiedonJune 7(the date of Höölderlin’s death). The passing of this fine poet and distinguished translator of, amongothers, the two greatest Germanpoets before Rilke has prompteda versionof the followingnote, whichis toaccompanythe page of acknowledgments inthe memoirI’mworkingon. Michael was my German expert for many years, just as HyamMaccobywasmyJudaismandBibleexpert. Hyamdied beforeIstarted thebook, andsadlyIhadtofindareplacement, Howard Cooper, who has stepped into his shoes with distinction. I knowother Germanexperts –JohnFelstiner, DavidConstantine, IngeElseLaird, Bill Jackson, Christopher Middleton–whocouldandwouldserveastheofficial adviser, butitisaparticularwrenchtoloseMichael, afriendforforty years. His deathdidnot fully hit me whenDinahLivingstone phonedwiththenews, norwhenIspoketohiswifeAnne, nor whenIwasconsultedonacoupleof detailsbytwobroadsheet obituarypages. Butitdidhitmeafewdayslater, whenIhad