Leonidas Gabriel (L. G.) Hertz (1918-2009) was born in Germany. His mother died shortly after his birth, and he came to the U.S. as a young child with his father. After growing up in the Midwest, Hertz trained as a surveyor and engineer. He worked for many years in the mining industry, and the greater part of his career was spent overseas. Much of his poetry was included in letters to his stepmother and half sister.

During Hertz's lifetime, his poems were known to a small group of friends and family. His heirs hope to bring his writings to a wider audience.

Two collections of poetry by L. G. Hertz were published during his lifetime:
Nijinsky's Horse and Other Poems
The Bubbling Vernacular and Other Poems
A collection of poems not previously published, Square Dance and Other Poems, is scheduled for publication in 2012.