Johanna Spyri (born June 12, 1827, Hirzel, Switzerland—died July 7, 1901, Zürich) was a Swiss writer whose Heidi (2 volumes; 1880–81), a classic of children’s literature, is popular all over the world. Her psychological insight into the child mind, her humor, and her ability to appreciate the joys and sorrows of childhood gave her books appeal and lasting value.
After her marriage in 1852 to Bernhard Spyri, a lawyer engaged in editorial work, she moved from her home village of Hirzel, Switzerland, to Zürich. Her love of homeland, feeling for nature, unobtrusive piety, and cheerful wisdom gave both her work and her life their unique quality. Spyri’s books include Ein Blatt auf Vronys Grab (1870; “A Leaf from Vrony’s Grave”), Heimatlos (1881), and Gritli (1882).
Heidi, which tells the story of a young orphan girl who moves to the Swiss Alps to live with her grandfather, has been translated into hundreds of languages and has never been out of print.