RABENER, GOTTLIEB WILHELM, a German satirist, born in 1714 near Leipzig, and studied law at the university of that city. While holding a civil office at Dresden he commenced to write satires upon men and manners. An observant eye and a humorous and benevolent disposition qualified him in an especial manner to be the censor of social follies and vanities. His descriptions were faithful, vigorous, and good-natured; and his style was correct, pointed, and flowing. Accordingly he attained a high reputation as a satirist. During his lifetime his works passed through several editions, and were translated into French and Dutch. After his death in 1771 they appeared in an eleventh edition, in 6 vols. 8vo, Leipzig, 1777. They have now a historical value as a record of habits and modes of life which have passed away.