Heinrich Böll: Billard um Halb Zehn

Heinrich Böll: Billiards at Half-past Nine

Heinrich Böll (1917–1985) is one of the most celebrated and influential German writers of the 20th century, a master of prose who was awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature in 1972.

Throughout his prolific career, Böll crafted a remarkable body of work where a profound depth of psychological analysis and rich lyrical beauty seamlessly intertwine with sharp, uncompromising social criticism. His narratives are particularly renowned for their powerful anti-fascist and anti-war sentiments, offering a poignant look at human resilience, moral responsibility, and the devastating scars left behind by conflict.

This volume presents one of Heinrich Böll's absolute masterpieces, Billiards at Half-past Nine (Billiard um halb zehn). Set over the course of a single day in 1958, the novel uses a complex architectural family history to reflect the spiritual and social trajectory of Germany itself, exploring how the trauma of the past echoes through generations.

Key Features of this Edition:

• Generational Epic: Experience a brilliantly structured story that spans three generations of the Fähmel family, serving as a powerful allegory for Germany's modern history.

• Literary Brilliance: Explore the unique narrative style, stream-of-consciousness techniques, and symbolic motifs that solidified Böll’s reputation as a giant of European literature.

• Language Learning Aid: This volume features the complete, unabridged text in the original language. Designed specifically to assist readers and students, it comes thoughtfully equipped with detailed literary commentary, historical context notes, and a comprehensive glossary.