Wolf Biermann

David Clarke (University of Bath)
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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

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 19 March 2024.]

11941 Wolf Biermann 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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