»They Call it Scream«

Thomas Brasch, poet, playwright, filmmaker and translator, is one of the most striking figures in contemporary German literature. From poems with personal dedications and occasional poems to ballads, songs, play collages and photo texts – the Collected Poems make it possible for the first time to get a comprehensive picture of his lyrical oeuvre, created over the course of 40 years.

In chronological order, this edition contains all the poems published during Brasch’s lifetime – including rarities such as the 1975 collection published in the Poesiealbum series, Brasch’s only published poetry in the GDR, or Kargo. 32. Versuch auf einem untergehenden Schiff aus der eigenen Haut zu kommen from 1977, was out of print for years. Beyond that, poems printed in various publications as well as numerous texts from the estate, both unknown and previously published, have been compiled for this volume. Using statements made by the author himself, the annotations provide extensive additional information on each poem.

 

»Brasch’s poems are captivating ... especially when the angry, the lover and the fool meet.« Jutta Person, Süddeutsche Zeitung

»They Call it Scream is a comprehensive collection that reflects Thomas Brasch’s poetic oeuvre in all its facets ... Thomas Brasch remains recognisable as an original, often witty … author.« Ralph Gerstenberg, Deutschlandfunk

»Editors Martina Hanf and Kristin Schulz have unearthed a treasure and brought it to light. So that the great rebel and gifted language artist can be rediscovered and continues to be appreciated.« Constanze Matthes, Mitteldeutsche Zeitung