Author: Sidney Whitman

Mite Kremnitz, born Marie von Bardeleben in 1852 in Greifswald, Germany, was a noted writer and translator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kremnitz is best remembered for her literary collaboration with Queen Elisabeth of Romania, also known as Carmen Sylva. Kremnitz”s married name came from her husband, the physician Georg Kremnitz, whom she wed in 1874 and with whom she moved to Romania. Her proximity to the Romanian royal court greatly influenced her writing and literary pursuits. Her intimate access to the monarchy is epitomized in her book “Reminiscences of the King of Roumania” (1899), which provides valuable insight into the life and times of King Carol I of Romania, shedding light not only on political nuances but also on the cultural milieu of the time (Kremnitz, 1899). Kremnitz was pivotal in translating Romanian literature into German and notably worked on the translations of the King”s work. Her literary style often echoes the refinement of the courtly environments she was associated with, characterized by a blending of factual historical detail with personal narratives. As an author, Kremnitz provides a unique female perspective on a male-dominated epoch, with her works serving as an important contribution to European literary and cultural history. She remained an active writer and cultural figure until her death in 1916.