“… principally I hate and detest that animal called man; although I heartily love John, Peter, Thomas, and so forth." This 1725 quote from Jonathan Swift is the introduction to Hans Joachim Schädlich’s new book. The result of meticulous historical research, this kaleidoscope-like volume brings together a collection of texts reflecting the devastation of past centuries.
The crimes of the Nazi era, Stalinism and other totalitarian systems, and violent acts of shocking brutality perpetrated by individuals, are counteracted by gentler comical texts. Full of respect for creative genius, with almost loving attention to forgivable little human foibles, Hans Joachim Schädlich’s writing has a spareness about it that leaves space for the reader’s own interpretations. An important book at a time when the world order is once again in danger of allowing violence to triumph.
“One of the giants of contemporary German literature.” Die Zeit
"The master of omission.” Neue Zürcher Zeitung
