Gottfried Benn (1886-1956), one of the most talented and "cerebral" writers of the modern period, remains one of the most controversial figures of the 1930s and 1940s because of his brief association with the Nazi party. His medical background played an important part in such collections as Morgue und andere Gedichte (1912), but also in his analysis of Goethe's relationship to science.
Dierick's book provides analyses of the most significant interpretations of Benn's lyric poetry, drama and prose, the first such extensive overview of Benn criticism in English. Particular attention is devoted to the fascinating question of Benn's worldview, his attitude towards contemporary political events, and the problematic Benn reception after 1945.
Dierick's book provides analyses of the most significant interpretations of Benn's lyric poetry, drama and prose, the first such extensive overview of Benn criticism in English. Particular attention is devoted to the fascinating question of Benn's worldview, his attitude towards contemporary political events, and the problematic Benn reception after 1945.
