Scholar Examines Fate of East German Literature After Reunification
Carsten Gansel, a professor of German literature at the University of Gießen, has published a new book titled 'Ausradiert?' that investigates what happened to East German literary works following German reunification in 1990. Gansel argues that much of this literature was devalued, forgotten, or physically destroyed, with large quantities of books ending up in landfills. His research explores why these works deserve renewed attention and what significance they hold for contemporary Germany. The book addresses concerns shared by writers, readers, and academics about the preservation and legacy of cultural production from the former German Democratic Republic.
Key facts
- Carsten Gansel published a book called 'Ausradiert?' about East German literature
- The book examines what happened to DDR literature after 1990
- Large quantities of books from East Germany were disposed of in landfills
- Gansel argues this literature has been largely forgotten or devalued
- He explores the ongoing relevance of these works for modern Germany
Entities
Institutions
- University of Gießen
Locations
- Güstrow
- Germany
- German Democratic Republic