Arno Schmidt was born on January 18, 1914, in Hamburg, Germany. His early years were marked by the turmoil of World War II, as he was drafted into Wehrmacht service at the outbreak of the war. During his time in the military, he was taken as an English Prisoner-of-War, an experience that would greatly influence his later writing.
After the war, Schmidt began his career as a writer, focusing on novels and translations. He and his wife faced numerous displacements due to the ravages of the war, finally settling in Bargfeld, Lower Saxony, in 1958. It was during this period that Schmidt began to establish himself as a prominent figure in German literature.
Schmidt's literary output was prolific and diverse, encompassing novels, essays, and translations. Some of his most notable works include Leviathan, The Egghead Republic, and Evening Edged in Gold. However, it was his 1970 novel, Zettels Traum, that would secure his place as one of Germany's most celebrated authors. This sprawling work, characterized by its experimental style and complex narrative structure, remains a landmark in post-war German literature.
Throughout his career, Schmidt displayed a keen interest in the works of Edgar Allan Poe, translating many of Poe's stories and poems into German. In Zettels Traum, he even incorporated references to Poe's works, further showcasing his admiration for the American writer.
Schmidt's writing was characterized by a cynical and at times pessimistic view of the world. In Schwarze Spiegel, he presented a vision of his personal Utopia as a post-apocalyptic world devoid of human life, a stark reflection of his disillusionment with society. Despite this, his works also reflected a deep engagement with philosophical and existential themes, exploring questions of identity, memory, and the nature of reality.
Arno Schmidt's influence on German literature continues to be felt to this day. His innovative approach to storytelling, experimental style, and profound philosophical insights have earned him a prominent place in the literary canon. His works remain a testament to the enduring power of literature to provoke thought, challenge conventions, and inspire readers.