The Life and Work of Gunter Grass

' The study goes far beyond a mere introduction to the man and his work. Rather, in its combination of trenchant analyzes of the major texts, elucidation of the historical-political background, and skilful summary of the major battles Grass fought with his critics as well as other issues that affected his career, the work is a significant achievement that will take its rightful place among the literature on Grass. ' - Seigfried Mews, Professor of German, The University of North Carolina

' Preece' s book is an admirably comprehensive account of Grass' s literary biography right down to the recent best-seller My Century. ' - Professor J. H. Reid, Department of German, University of Nottingham

Reviews of hardback edition:

' Julian Preece combines literary analysis and elucidation of the historical-political context that so incisively shaped Grass' s generational experience that informs all his writing, fiction and non-fiction, and all his public utterances. . . Yet the emphasis Preece places on the political, historical, and biographical context does not detract from his careful reading of Grass' s texts. In incorporating biographical details. . . Preece draws attention to a dimension of the text that is often neglected and goes far beyond a mere introduction. ' - Siegfried Mews, German Quarterly

' . . . satisfying. . . enormously rewarding. ' - German Studies Review

' . . . [for] anyone interested in Grass. . . [this would] provide a useful or even necessaryfoundation. ' - Brad Prager, Seminar

' . . . well written and well researched and can be read by specialists and non-specialists alike. ' - Kerstin T. Gaddy, South Atlantic Review