Erich Kästner (08:08)

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Erich Kästner is a well-known German author who revolutionized children's literature. Many thought Kästner used his storyteller persona to cover up his stressful childhood, which he wrote about in an autobiographical novel. His long-term partner Luiselotte Enderle, a journalist, helped build his public image.

Kästner's Politics (03:18)

Kästner began to write politically after World War II and took an anti-nuclear stance. He often participated in political demonstrations, including ones against German rearmament. He was a teenager when World War I broke out and wrote about his experience living in Germany during that time.

Kästner's Early Career (03:48)

Despite originally training to be a teacher, Kästner went on to study literature, philosophy, and German politics. He worked as a journalist and political satirist in Leipzig.

Kästner and New Objectivity (06:29)

Kästner wanted to be able to simply explain problems facing mankind. He was one of the founders of New Objectivity, which went against expressing emotion. He began writing under pseudonyms and warned against authoritarian teachings.

Kästner's Rising Fame (06:55)

In the late 1920s, Kästner moved to Berlin and published his first book of poetry, which had a strong anti-war message. He wrote his most famous children's book "Emil and the Detectives," which was also turned into a film. He began working in numerous mediums.

Kästner's Morality (08:38)

Kästner's adult novel "Fabian" features of nightlife of Berlin and became a best seller in 1931. He was urged to leave Germany when Adolf Hitler took power in 1933, but he stayed. He was forbidden from publishing in Germany but continued to through Switzerland.

Kästner and the Nazis (06:29)

In 1936, Kästner's children's books were also banned. He visited London in 1939 but chose to return to Berlin. Kästner kept a diary with the plans of writing a novel about living under the Third Reich.

Kästner's Post-War Life (05:20)

After the war, Kästner moved to Munich and worked as a journalist. He struggled with the role he played within Nazism and wrote a novel based on his war diary. His relationship with Enderle began to fail and he had numerous affairs.

Kästner's Later Life (04:20)

Kästner's hid his affairs and child from fear that it would harm his reputation. He wrote a few children's books in the 1960s and then retired from writing. He died in Munich in 1974.

Credits: Erich Kästner - The Other Face (00:25)

Credits: Erich Kästner - The Other Face