Michael Hofmann Book order

From an internationally acclaimed, multi award-winning author: this is a story of love and betrayal set in Berlin during the years before and after the fall of the Wall.

The first poem in Gottfried Benn's first book, Morgue (1912) - written in an hour, published in a week, and notorious ever after, or so the poet claimed - with its scandalous closing image of an aster sewn into a corpse by a playful medical student, set him on his celebrated path.

Approaching his sixtieth birthday, the poet explores where he finds himself, geographically and in life, treating with wit and compassion such universal themes as ageing and memory, place, and the difficulty for the individual to exist at all in an ever bigger and more bestial world.

The critique delves into the strengths and weaknesses of Habermas's concept of the public sphere, aiming to revitalize its application in assessing the liberal ideals and actual conditions of contemporary societies. By systematically analyzing this foundational theory, the work seeks to provide new insights into its relevance and effectiveness in understanding modern social dynamics.

Exploring the intricacies of sexual tension, Hofmann's poetry delves into the emotional landscape where feelings are depicted as complex and often painful rather than simple poetic devices. The emphasis on the physical act of smiling serves as a poignant reminder of the deeper emotional experiences that underpin human connections. Through vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes, the work invites readers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of desire and intimacy.

A new selection of essays from Michael Hofmann - one of our most exceptional critics of contemporary literature. In essays on art that are themselves works of art, Hofmann's agile and brilliant mind explores a panoply of subjects from the mastery of translation to the best day job for a poet.

Depicts the tragicomic misadventures of a young immigrant in New York.

Berlin, 1940, and the city is filled with fear. At the house on 55 Jablonski Strasse, its various occupants try to live under Nazi rule in their different ways: the nervous Frau Rosenthal, the bullying Hitler loyalists the Persickes, the retired judge Fromm, and the unassuming working-class couple Otto and Anna Quangel.

The essay examines the critical discourse on Russia's relationship with the European Union and NATO, as articulated by Russian Defence Minister Ivanov during a 2006 Security Conference in Munich. Ivanov stresses the necessity for enhanced dialogue and cooperation in security and defense policies, asserting that a successful Europe hinges on a strong partnership with Russia. The analysis reflects on the geopolitical dynamics and the importance of collaborative security efforts in fostering stability in Europe.

This anthology showcases a diverse range of German poetry, featuring renowned poets like Rilke, Brecht, and contemporary voices such as Durs Grunbein and Jan Wagner. It highlights poetry as a powerful response to socio-political issues, encompassing themes of dissent, personal grief, and historical reflection. The collection captures the evolution of German verse from the complexities of its past to the introspection of a reunified nation, making it an essential resource for understanding the cultural and emotional landscape of a tumultuous century.