Photo-rich memories and readings in October and November – now available in bookstores
With his new book "Homecoming to Darmstadt? My Memories of the City, the People, and the Culture," author and cultural journalist W. Christian Schmitt presents a work that is both an autobiographical retrospective and a literary exploration. Schmitt has documented Darmstadt's cultural development as a journalist for almost six decades. His volume brings together personal recollections, cultural-historical portraits, and encounters with writers, cultural figures, and everyday people who have shaped the city.
The chapters include retrospectives on the terms of office of Darmstadt's mayors Günther Metzger, Peter Benz, Walter Hoffmann, and Hanno Benz. Numerous companions, such as writers, journalists, and musicians, appear as vivid recollections. The text is supplemented by around 80 photos and illustrations that visually underline Schmitt's retrospective.
First comments on the book
Dr. Fritz Deppert calls it a "book that evokes moving memories." For Dr. Paul-Hermann Gruner, Schmitt always had "one foot in Darmstadt," even during his professional absences. And Rainer Beutel, managing editor of WIR, the magazine in the Gerauer Land region , emphasizes the value of the cultural-historical portraits Schmitt collected over 50 years.
Readings in Groß-Gerau and Darmstadt
The book will be presented at two events:
- Sunday, October 5, 11:00 a.m., Groß-Gerau City Museum : Matinee reading moderated by Dr. Paul-Hermann Gruner. Musician Hans-Werner Brun will accompany the event, and museum director Jürgen Volkmann will deliver an introductory remarks.
- Thursday, November 20, 7:30 p.m., Keller-Klub Darmstadt : Reading followed by a discussion entitled "Journalism Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" between W. Christian Schmitt and Echo journalist Frank Schuster. Hans-Werner Brun will also provide musical accompaniment.
The book, published by UDVM-Verlag (ISBN 978-3-9825762-3-7), comprises 132 large-format pages with numerous photos and illustrations. The retail price is €25.
