“As long as there is a German literature, he will be remembered with respect and gratitude.” These words were written by the German literary critic Marcel Reich-Ranicki in his eulogy for Heinrich Böll upon his death in July 1985. Böll, one of Germany's best known and most popular post-war authors, provided his readers with a critical, moral and humanistic perspective on contemporary Germany and her Nazi past through his fictional works, speeches and essays. Translated into more than 35 languages, his works have given the reading public around the globe a unique insight into German society and culture.
Heinrich Böll was born as the third of five children to Viktor and Maria Böll, née Hermanns, on 21 December 1917, during a period of historical and political upheaval. Germany was
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Citation: Mundt, Hannelore G.. "Heinrich Böll". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 17 June 2004 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=201, accessed 22 November 2024.]
