ABSTRACT
Early in 1818, Leopold Ranke applied for two teaching positions closer to his home, in Merseburg and Pforta; however, both applications were unsuccessful. With his move to Frankfurt in the summer, a new chapter in Ranke’s life started after his ambitions for literary works were crushed. The young teacher’s life in Frankfurt did not greatly differ from others at that time. Heinrich especially seemed to have a tendency to get into trouble and, helping his brother find employment, Heinrich stayed in Frankfurt in 1819. Bernhard Hoeft mentioned the anecdote that at some stage, he asked for so many books to be brought to Frankfurt that the Royal Library had the choice to move either the large library from Berlin to Frankfurt or the small figure of Ranke to Berlin. Not only was the royal library interesting for Ranke when he arrived in Berlin in 1825, but he also found stimulating society and influential people who could assist him.
