About Heinrich Böll
Heinrich Böll 1917 - 1985
Heinrich Böll is one of the most important and best-known writers of the Federal Republic of Germany. "Bound by the times and my contemporaries, to what my generation has lived through, experienced, seen, and heard," as he himself wrote, he was the critical chronicler of Germany’s history at mid-century.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for his novels and short stories in 1972.
With the approval of the Böll family and the National Convention of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen (Green Party), the Foundation carries the name of Heinrich Böll because he embodied that rare combination of political awareness, artistic creativity, and moral integrity which remains a model for future generations. The courage to stand up for one's beliefs; encouragement to meddle in public affairs; and unconditional activism in support of dignity and human rights were characteristics of the writer Heinrich Böll. The Foundation is committed to that tradition.
Who was Heinrich Böll?
What are his most important novels?
How did he go about his work?
Was Böll an active member of a political party?
How formative was his time as a soldier in WW2?
How important was religion for him?
Why was Böll dubbed «the conscience of the nation»?
How and why did he champion human rights?
Where did Böll spend his life?
Why was Ireland so important to Böll?
Did Böll address environmental concerns?
Why did Böll fight the tabloid «BILD»?
Why should Böll still be read?
Timeline
Awards and Honors
Photo credits and literature