Wolf Biermann

David Clarke (University of Bath)

Ed. by Gerhard P. Knapp, University of Utah
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.4.1: German-language Writing and Culture: Germany, 500-present.
Vol. editors: Gerhard P. Knapp (University of Utah), Jennifer Marston William (Purdue University), Herbert Rowland (Purdue University), Jill E. Twark (East Carolina University)

Dates

Born 15 Nov 1936
Activity 1960-ongoing

Places

Born in Germany
Active in Germany

Activities

Primary

Essayist
Playwright / Dramatist
Poet
Singer
Song-writer

Resources

Biermann's Works

Save to Bookshelf

It is hard to overestimate the significance of the poet and songwriter Wolf Biermann for the cultural history of East Germany. When he was expelled from that state in 1976, his treatment at the hands of the communist regime of the German Democratic Republic came to symbolise a sea-change in the relationship between East German intellectuals and the ruling Socialist Unity Party. However, Biermann's importance as a best-selling poet, successful recording artist, popular performer and political commentator extends far beyond these political struggles, and it is above all important to recognise him as a unique public intellectual in post Second World War Germany.

Biermann was born the son of working-class communists in Hamburg in 1936. His father was arrested for his underground anti-Nazi

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2779 words

Citation: Clarke, David. "Wolf Biermann". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 10 January 2008 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=11941, accessed 21 November 2024.]