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Samuel Beckett’s German Diaries Published for the First Time

publication · 2026-08-19

Samuel Beckett, master of the absurd, traveled through Hitler's Germany. His 'German Diaries' – published for the first time – are the grim and often amusing protocols of this 'Grand Tour'. In one entry, he writes that he soon will really start vomiting or go home. The diaries offer a unique perspective on the Nazi regime from one of the 20th century's most important writers.

Key facts

  • Samuel Beckett's German Diaries are published for the first time.
  • Beckett traveled through Hitler's Germany.
  • The diaries are described as grim and often amusing.
  • They are the protocols of a 'Grand Tour'.
  • A diary quote expresses nausea and homesickness: 'Bald fange ich wirklich an zu kotzen. Oder fahr heim.'

Entities

Artists

  • Samuel Beckett

Locations

  • Germany

Sources