February 1933: The Winter of Literature

Explore a pivotal month in German history through the lens of its literary elite. Uwe Wittstock's meticulously researched narrative, February 1933: The Winter of Literature, details the dramatic shift from the vibrant Weimar literary scene to a dark, oppressive era following Adolf Hitler's rise to power.

This book chronicles the rapid and profound impact of political change on prominent writers such as Thomas Mann, Bertolt Brecht, Else Lasker-Schüler, and Alfred Döblin. Wittstock masterfully reconstructs the atmosphere of anxiety, passivity, and determination that gripped the literary world as events unfolded day by day, from Hitler's swearing-in as Chancellor to the immediate aftermath.

Drawing on unpublished archival material, this work offers an intimate portrait of the individuals caught in the historical tide, examining their choices to applaud, flee, or resist. It serves as both a detailed historical account and a crucial reminder of the fragility of democracy.

Key Features:

• In-depth historical narrative of February 1933 in Germany.
• Focuses on the fate of German writers and the literary scene.
• Features prominent figures like Thomas Mann, Bertolt Brecht, and Joseph Roth.
• Based on unpublished archival material.
• Explores themes of political change, literary response, and the threat to democracy.

Specifications:

• Author: Uwe Wittstock
• Translator: Daniel Bowles
• Publisher: Polity
• Publication Date: September 4, 2026
• Edition: 1st
• Language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• Page Count: 304 pages
• Dimensions: 150 x 25 x 229mm (approx. 5.9 x 1 x 9 inches)
• Weight: 454g (approx. 1 lb)
• ISBN-10: 1509525513
• ISBN-13: 978-1509525515
• EAN: 9781509525515
• Release Date: 4 Sep 2026

February 1933: The Winter of Literature is an essential read for anyone interested in 20th-century European history, the impact of political upheaval on culture, and the enduring importance of vigilance in protecting democratic values.