Kowalczuk's Ulbricht Biography Defended as 'Opus Magnum'
In a recent opinion piece for the Freitag, Karsten Krampitz defends historian Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk against criticism that he lacks a professorship, habilitation, or a 'great work.' Krampitz argues that Kowalczuk's biography of Walter Ulbricht, published by C.H. Beck in 2023 and spanning 1,006 pages, constitutes a true magnum opus. The article also touches on a historical debate regarding Ernst Thälmann's activities on the eve of Hitler's rise to power, with Kowalczuk asserting Thälmann was bowling, while Thälmann biographer Ronald Friedmann disagrees. Krampitz acknowledges Friedmann's contributions to the history of German communism, including works on Arthur Ewert, and notes that despite differing views on Thälmann, Friedmann is impressed by Kowalczuk's Ulbricht biography. The piece underscores the significance of Kowalczuk's work in chronicling East German history.
Key facts
- Karsten Krampitz defends historian Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk in an opinion piece for the Freitag.
- Kowalczuk is criticized for lacking a professorship, habilitation, and a 'great work.'
- Krampitz argues Kowalczuk's Ulbricht biography is his 'Opus Magnum.'
- The biography, titled 'Walter Ulbricht. Der deutsche Kommunist,' was published by C.H. Beck in 2023.
- The biography is 1,006 pages long.
- Kowalczuk claims Ernst Thälmann was bowling on the eve of Hitler's rise to power.
- Thälmann biographer Ronald Friedmann disagrees with Kowalczuk's claim.
- Friedmann has written important books on German communism, including on Arthur Ewert.
- Friedmann is impressed by Kowalczuk's Ulbricht biography despite differing on Thälmann.
Entities
Artists
- Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk
- Karsten Krampitz
- Ronald Friedmann
- Ernst Thälmann
- Walter Ulbricht
- Arthur Ewert
Institutions
- C.H. Beck
- Freitag