German POWs, Der Ruf, and the Genesis of Group 47

Aaron D. Horton

ISBN 10: 161147616X / ISBN 13: 9781611476163

Published by Associated University Presses, US, 2013

About this Item

This work explores the experiences of Hans Werner Richter and Alfred Andersch, authors who served in the German army during World War II, were captured by U.S. forces, and enlisted into a secret program to promote American democracy to their fellow POWs while imprisoned in the United States. Upon repatriation, they brought their experiences with the POW publication Der Ruf back to Germany, where they founded a periodical of the same name. Having grown disillusioned with the American occupation, the authors' stark criticisms of U.S. policies led to their dismissal from the second Der Ruf after only fifteen issues. This study attempts to understand their journey from acceptance and endorsement of American democratic ideals to disappointment and opposition to U.S. occupation policies. This transition played a crucial role in the foundation of the most influential West German literary circle: Group 47, organized a few months after the authors' dismissal.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781611476163

Bibliographic Details

• Title: German POWs, Der Ruf, and the Genesis of Group 47
• Publisher: Associated University Presses, US
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 161147616X
• ISBN 13: 9781611476163
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 445 grams

About this title

Synopsis

This work explores the experiences of Hans Werner Richter and Alfred Andersch, authors who served in the German army during World War II, were captured by U.S. forces, and enlisted into a secret program to promote American democracy to their fellow POWs while imprisoned in the United States. Upon repatriation, they brought their experiences with the POW publication Der Ruf back to Germany, where they founded a periodical of the same name. Having grown disillusioned with the American occupation, the authors’ stark criticisms of U.S. policies led to their dismissal from the second Der Ruf after only fifteen issues. This study attempts to understand their journey from acceptance and endorsement of American democratic ideals to disappointment and opposition to U.S. occupation policies. This transition played a crucial role in the foundation of the most influential West German literary circle: Group 47, organized a few months after the authors’ dismissal.

About the Author

Aaron D. Horton is assistant professor of history at Alabama State University.