Most noteworthy of the minor writings of this period is _Dr.
Katzenberger's Journey to the Baths_, published in 1809. The effect of
this rollicking satire on affectation and estheticism was to arouse a
more manly spirit in the nation and so it helped to prepare for the
way of liberation. The patriotic youth of Germany now began to speak
and think of Richter as Jean Paul the Unique. In the years that follow
Waterloo every little journey that Richter took was made the occasion
of public receptions and festivities. Meanwhile life in the Bayreuth
home grew somewhat strained. Both partners might well have heeded
_Levana's_ counsel that "Men should show more love, women more common
sense."

Of Richter's last decade two books only call for notice here, _Truth
about Jean Paul's Life_, a fragment of autobiography written in 1819,
and _The Comet_, a novel, also unfinished, published at intervals from
1820 to 1822. Hitherto, said Richter of _The Comet_, he had paid too
great deference to rule, "like a child born curled and forthwith
stretched on a swathing cushion." Now, in his maturity, he will, he
says, let himself go; and a wild tale he makes of it, exuberant in
fancy, rich in comedy, unbridled in humor. The Autobiography extends
only to Schwarzenbach and his confirmation, but of all his writings it
has perhaps the greatest charm.

Richter's last years were clouded by disease, mental and physical, and
by the death of his son Max. A few weeks before his own death he
arranged for an edition of his complete works, for which he was to
receive 35,000 thaler ($26,000). For this he sought a special
privilege, copyright being then very imperfect in Germany, on the
ground that in all his works not one line could be found to offend
religion or virtue.