The two most prominent Viennese writers of the Romantic period were Franz Grillparzer and Adalbert Stifter. Franz Grillparzer was born in Vienna during January of 1791. He primarily was a playwright and wrote his first drama when he was only sixteen years old. The first play that made him famous however was "Die Ahnfrau" (The Ancestress), which was first performed in 1817. The play was a common tragedy, but showed signs of dramatic power. His next play, "Sappho," was adapted from ancient Greek stories of love. This play’s roots were found in the neoclassical literature that was being written at the time, but carried a new style of realism, which was unique to Grillparzer. In 1821 he wrote his next play, a trilogy about the story of Jason and Medea. After this play, he turned away from drama turned to history for material to write about. He wrote books about the rise of the Habsburg Empire and Hungarian history. He later returned to writing plays and even made an attempt at comedy, which was a failure. He also wrote essays and studies on the Spanish theatre, and an autobiography.

Grillparzer’s personal life was a sad one. He was often depressed and felt he had to submit to the ill will and distrust of his superiors. He also had to be careful of the rigid censorship policies set forth by Prince Metternich. In 1819, his mother committed suicide. In his private life, he was constantly being tormented in various love affairs. He found solace in traveling throughout Europe, visiting Rome, Paris, and London- although he never left Vienna after 1848. In his private life, he was constantly being tormented in various love affairs. When he died in January of 1872, he was given a public funeral.

Adalbert Stifter, who lived from 1805 to 1868, born in Bohemia, moved to Vienna to go to college in 1827. He was famous for his poetry and his love for teaching. Stifter early years were very positive as, because of his teaching skills was in the close circle of the Viennese aristocracy and Prince Metternich. He became famous in 1840, with the publishing of his story "Der Condor." This was followed by many other stories, and then later volumes of poetry. He left Vienna in 1848 because of the political turmoil and moved to Linz. There, he truly showed his skills for teaching. However, just like Grillparzer, as his life continued, he became more and more eccentric and depressed- removed from public life. He died in 1887.