'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 NottinghamReviews 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
