On the Fortunes and Misfortunes of Art in Post-War Germany

Shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, an unconventional book

appeared in Germany which ignited a firestorm of cultural debate.

Decried by many as the work of a dangerous mind, it was defended by

the more discerning as an intrepid appraisal of the illness of our

times. But despite all its defenders, both the book and its creator

were cast into the shadows of unofficial censorship. 

Here for the first time is the full English translation of this

controversial and eminently important work of cultural criticism by

groundbreaking film director Hans-Jürgen Syberberg. Syberberg, whose

films include the radically innovative Requiem for a Virgin

King and the monumental Hitler: A Film from Germany,

turns his uncompromising creative vision to the poverty and paralysis

besetting contemporary European culture.

Broad in its knowledge, deep in its passion, relentlessly keen in

its insight, Syberberg’s On the Fortunes and Misfortunes of

Art in Post-War Germany is one of the most

profound meditations on the culture, society

and politics of modern Germany and the West.