Heinrich Böll
================

Full Name and Common Aliases

---------------------------

Heinrich Theodor Böll was a German novelist, short story writer, and playwright who was born as Heinrich Matthäus Böll. He is often referred to simply as Heinrich Böll.

Birth and Death Dates

-------------------------

Born: December 21, 1917, in Cologne, Germany
Died: July 16, 1985, in Langenbroich, West Germany

Nationality and Profession(s)

-----------------------------

Heinrich Böll was a German national. Throughout his career, he worked as a novelist, short story writer, playwright, essayist, and journalist.

Early Life and Background

---------------------------

Böll was born into an upper-middle-class family in Cologne. His father, Matthäus Böll, was a businessman who traded with Poland. Heinrich's mother, Maria von der Leyen, came from a prominent Catholic noble family. As a result of his family background, Böll had a strong connection to the Catholic Church and the European community.

Böll studied law at the University of Cologne and later served in the German army during World War II. He was captured by American forces in 1941 while on leave from the military. During his imprisonment, he began writing seriously for the first time. After being released in 1945, Böll returned to Germany and became involved with the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

Major Accomplishments

-------------------------

Böll's most notable works include:

The Train Was Once a Landscaped Garden (1949) - his first published novel, which explores themes of identity, morality, and human relationships
Billiards at Half Past Nine (1959) - a collection of short stories that examine the lives of ordinary Germans during World War II
The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum (1974) - a novel that critiques the German police state and the treatment of women in society

Böll's writing style is characterized by its accessibility, depth, and commitment to social justice. He was awarded numerous literary prizes throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1972.

Notable Works or Actions

---------------------------

In addition to his literary accomplishments, Böll was also an active public figure. He served as a member of the West German parliament (Bundestag) from 1969 to 1972 and continued to write novels, essays, and plays throughout his life.

Some notable quotes from Heinrich Böll include:

"The world is full of fools and knaves; what's worse, it's full of people who are neither but simply just ordinary."
* "If we don't believe in freedom of speech for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all."

Impact and Legacy

---------------------

Heinrich Böll's writing has had a profound impact on German literature and society. His novels and essays provide a unique perspective on the complexities of human relationships, morality, and social justice.

Böll's legacy extends beyond his literary contributions as well. He was an outspoken advocate for human rights and democracy in Germany during the Cold War era. His commitment to public service and activism has inspired generations of writers, politicians, and activists.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

------------------------------------------

Heinrich Böll's quotes are widely quoted because they offer insightful perspectives on the human condition, morality, and social justice. His writing style is engaging, accessible, and thought-provoking, making him a beloved figure among readers worldwide.