Georg Heym (1887-1912) was a German writer and poet, a leading figure in early Expressionism. Heym's legacy consists of approximately 500 poems and numerous unfinished dramatic works. He died saving his friend, the poet Ernst Balcke, who had fallen through the ice. The collection Umbra Vitae, first published in 1912 by Ernst Rowohlt, was compiled by friends of the deceased poet based on the author's concept. In 1924, the collection was substantially revised and republished with illustrations by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.