Selected from the vast range of his work, the writings included in this anthology trace Günter Grass's development as a writer, and with it the history of a nation coming to terms with its past.
Excerpts from Grass's major novels-from The Tin Drum to Crabwalk-are included, as are numerous short fictions, essays, and poems, many of which have never appeared before in English. Grass's gifts as an observer of and participant in the social and political landscape are justly celebrated, as are his inimitable sense of humor, his consistent defense of the disadvantaged, and his mastery of the forms of expression he has employed over the years.
For readers in search of an introduction to his work or for those familiar primarily with his novels, this diverse collection offers a fresh and stimulating introduction to one of the world's greatest living writers.
About the Author, G
Born in Danzig, Germany, in 1927, G_nter Grass is a widely acclaimed author of plays, essays, poems, and numerous novels. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1999.
This eclectic anthology of the leading German writer and Nobel Prize laureate's works includes a number of titles that have never appeared in English translation before. It reflects Grass's development as a writer in post-World War II Germany during the country's painful rebuilding process. Represented here are his better-known works, such as The Tin Drum, My Century, and Crabwalk, as well as other essays and letters, including the text of his 1999 Nobel lecture, poems, and short fiction. The result is a vibrant mix of social and political commentary, opinions, and poetry. The selections do not seem to be arranged in any discernible order nor does editor Frielinghaus provide any context or explain his criteria for choosing the selections. Those unfamiliar with Grass's work will enjoy this collection, but it will be necessary to look elsewhere for additional background information. The book will be useful to students and lay readers who seek a firsthand introduction to Grass's emblematic works. Recommended for most public and academic libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/04.]-Ali Houissa, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
