Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Biography of Erich Maria Remarque:
Erich Maria Remarque (born Erich Paul Remark) was a German author, best known for his anti-war novel "All Quiet on the Western Front" ("Im Westen nichts Neues" in German).
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| Biography of Erich Maria Remarque |
Here's a brief biography of Erich Maria Remarque:
Birth: Erich Maria Remarque was born on June 22, 1898, in Osnabrück, Lower Saxony, German Empire.
Military Service of Erich Maria Remarque:
He was conscripted into the German army during World War I at the age of 18. His experiences on the Western Front deeply influenced his later writing, especially "All Quiet on the Western Front."
Literary Breakthrough:
Remarque's most famous work, "All Quiet on the Western Front," was published in 1928. The novel, based on his wartime experiences, is a powerful anti-war statement.
The book quickly gained international acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the horrors of war and its impact on soldiers.
Erich Maria Remarque's Controversy and Ban:
Due to its anti-war stance, "All Quiet on the Western Front" faced controversy in Germany. The Nazi regime, considering it unpatriotic, eventually banned and burned the book.
Exile:
As the Nazis rose to power, Remarque, being a pacifist and of Jewish descent, left Germany. He lived in exile in Switzerland and later in the United States.
Literary Career:
Remarque continued to write novels and essays, addressing various themes, including the impact of war on individuals and society.
Some of his other notable works include "The Road Back," "Three Comrades," and "Arch of Triumph."
Personal Life of Erich Maria Remarque:
Remarque was married three times, including to actress Paulette Goddard. His second wife was the famous German actress Marlene Dietrich.
He became a U.S. citizen in 1947.
Later Years:
In his later years, Remarque continued to write and travel. He also became involved in political and social issues.
He passed away on September 25, 1970, in Locarno, Switzerland, at the age of 72.
Legacy:
Erich Maria Remarque's literary legacy is primarily tied to "All Quiet on the Western Front," which remains one of the most powerful anti-war novels ever written.
His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their exploration of the human condition and the consequences of war.
Erich Maria Remarque's writings often reflect the trauma and disillusionment experienced by a generation that lived through the devastating events of the early 20th century.