Max Frisch
- Born:
- May 15, 1911, Zurich, Switzerland
- Died:
- April 4, 1991, Zurich, Switzerland
- Nationality:
- Swiss
- Profession(s):
- Architect, Playwright, Novelist, Essayist
Early Life and Education
- Initially studied German literature but abandoned it.
- Trained as an architect at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich).
- Graduated in 1940 with a degree in architecture.
Career and Major Achievements
- Practiced architecture from 1942 to 1955.
- Gained international recognition as a playwright and novelist starting in the 1950s.
- Awarded numerous literary prizes, including the Georg Büchner Prize in 1958.
- Focused on themes of identity, alienation, responsibility, and the individual's relationship to society.
Notable Works
- Novels:
- Stiller (1954)
- Homo Faber (1957)
- Montauk (1975)
- Plays:
- The Firebugs (Biedermann und die Brandstifter, 1958)
- Andorra (1961)
- His literary estate is preserved in the Max Frisch Archive at the ETH Zurich.
Legacy and Impact
Max Frisch is considered one of the most important German-language writers of the 20th century. His works explored complex moral and existential questions, challenging readers to confront their own beliefs and assumptions. The continued relevance of works like Homo Faber and The Firebugs speaks to Frisch's profound insight into the human condition. A comprehensive understanding of Frisch requires examining works like Man in the Holocene, as critical analyses like 'das bildnis max frisch biography' delve into the author's recurring themes and stylistic choices.