Heinrich Böll

Franklin Library Heinrich Böll books

The Safety Net - Limited First Edition Society - 1981
Stories by Heinrich Böll - Collected Stories of the World's Greatest Writers - 1982

 

Who was Heinrich Böll

Heinrich Böll, born on December 21, 1917, in Cologne, Germany, was a prolific German writer and Nobel Prize laureate renowned for his novels, short stories, and essays that explored the complexities of post-war German society. His life and literary career were deeply influenced by his experiences during World War II and his subsequent reflections on the moral and social implications of the war. Böll grew up in a Catholic, middle-class family, and his early years were marked by the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany. During World War II, he served in the German army, an experience that profoundly affected his perspective on war, morality, and the role of individuals in a society gripped by ideological conflicts.

After the war, Heinrich Böll became an active participant in the reconstruction of German literature and culture. His works often grappled with the aftermath of the war, addressing issues of guilt, responsibility, and the challenges of rebuilding a shattered society. One of his early novels, The Train Was on Time (1949), explored the dehumanizing effects of war on individuals. Böll's breakthrough came with the novel The Bread of Those Early Years (1955), which won him the Group 47 Prize. However, it was his novel Billiards at Half-Past Nine (1959) that solidified his reputation as a major literary figure. The novel delves into the history of a German family during the Nazi era, examining the moral compromises made by individuals in the face of political and social upheaval.

The Clown by Heinrich Böll

The Clown (Ansichten eines Clowns) was first published in 1963. The Clown follows the story of Hans Schnier, a clown by profession, who struggles with personal and societal issues in post-war Germany. The novel is known for its exploration of themes such as morality, faith, and the consequences of war. Böll's work often delves into the complexities of German society during and after World War II. The protagonist, Hans Schnier, is a complex character who grapples with his relationships, particularly with his Catholic family, and his own sense of identity in a changing world. Böll's writing is characterized by its social and political commentary, and The Clown is no exception. If you are interested in literature that explores the post-war German experience and addresses existential and moral questions, The Clown might be a thought-provoking read for you.

In 1972, Heinrich Böll was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his ability to "combine a broad perspective on his time with a sensitive skill in characterization." His works, including The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum (1974) and Group Portrait with Lady (1971), further established him as a leading voice in German literature. Böll's writing often reflected his commitment to humanism, pacifism, and social justice. He was an advocate for democratic values and was actively involved in political and social issues, expressing his opinions through essays and public statements.

Heinrich Böll passed away on July 16, 1985, in Langenbroich, Germany, leaving behind a legacy of literature that continues to be celebrated for its moral depth, social critique, and exploration of the human condition in the tumultuous period of post-war Germany.

Heinrich Stories

Stories and novellas written by Heinrich Böll between 1947 and 1985. It brings together selections from Böll's earlier collections and some previously unpublished work. The chronological organization represents the entire span of Böll's career, from the stories of the early postwar period, to the masterfully satirical tales of his later years. These diverse, psychologically rich, and morally profound stories explore the consequences of war on individuals and on an entire culture.

The Safety Net

Although Fritz Tolm and his wife Käthe play a representative role in established society, their sympathies are often on the side of their children and their friends. The Tolm family, for example, abandons the most difficult problem to the enormously bloated police apparatus, depending on whether the individuals are more likely to belong to the suspects or the vulnerable or even to both categories. This increases compulsively, as the signs pile up, threatening a new stop. But Fritz Tolm achieves a new clarity.