JOHANN WILHELM LUDWIG, a German poet, born April 2, 1719, near Halberstadt, where he also died Feb. 18, 1803, at the age of eighty-three, after having occupied, during half a century, the lucrative situation of secretary to the chapter of Halberstadt. "Father Gleim," for such was the title accorded to him throughout all literary Germany, is considered one of the best German poets of his time. He distinguished himself particularly in his fables, tales, epigrams, and songs for children. His war-songs, composed for the Prussian army, were very popular, and his lighter strains obtained for him the designation of the Anacreon of Germany. Originally his poems appeared in periodical publications, but were republished at Leipzig in 6 vols. 8vo, 1798. A complete edition of his works was printed at Halberstadt in 7 vols. 8vo, 1811-13. The odes and songs (*Lieder*) of Gleim are not destitute of grace and elegance, but their monotony soon fatigues the ear. His fables are in general more simple and unaffected than those of Gellert, and deserve honourable mention. Still, the serious drawback in many of his romances is the close imitation of the pretentious style of Gongora, the Spanish poet, whose conceits sound badly when clothed in German phraseology; but the merit belongs to Gleim of having introduced to the Germans this kind of popular literature.