Journalist W. Christian Schmitt recalls Darmstadt, its people and formative cultural moments
With his new book, "Homecoming to Darmstadt? My Memories of the City, the People, and the Culture," journalist and publicist W. Christian Schmitt presents a multifaceted retrospective of his journalistic career—with a particular focus on the science city of Darmstadt. Published by UDVM Verlag for the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, the book illuminates formative encounters, political developments, and cultural milestones in 18 richly illustrated chapters.
Personal reminiscences and cultural-historical portraits
Schmitt, born in 1944, began his journalistic career with an internship in the arts and culture section of the Darmstädter Echo newspaper. In his new book, he traces his career from his early experiences as a culture editor to current conversations with personalities who continue to shape Darmstadt's cultural landscape.
The book focuses on numerous portraits from the worlds of culture, business, and local politics. Schmitt recalls formative encounters with four Darmstadt mayors – Günther Metzger, Peter Benz, Walter Hoffmann, and Hanno Benz – and recounts visits to workshops, discussions at dinner tables, and personal impressions. Around 80 photographs and illustrations visually complement this journalistic journey through time.
Matinee for the book launch at the Groß-Gerau City Museum
The book will be presented for the first time on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Groß-Gerau City Museum. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Museum director Jürgen Volkmann will give the welcoming address, Dr. Paul-Hermann Gruner will moderate, and Hans-Werner Brun will provide musical accompaniment.
Author with an impressive publication record
W. Christian Schmitt looks back on an outstanding career in German cultural journalism. In addition to positions at major daily newspapers such as the Darmstädter Echo and the Hannoversche Allgemeine, he was, among other things, a member of the editorial board of the Börsenblatt für den Deutschen Buchhandel (the trade journal for the German book trade) and a long-time correspondent for the Leipziger Börsenblatt.
In addition, Schmitt has written more than 8,000 articles for over 120 newspapers and magazines, including portraits, reviews, and feature pieces. His books have been published by renowned publishers such as C. Bertelsmann, Heyne, Ullstein, and Langen-Müller. His most recent titles include the literary reader for Groß-Gerau (2022) and * On the Road with the Poetry Whisperer * (2023).
Schmitt is also active as a cultural mediator: He initiated numerous event series such as the "Reichelsheim Fairy Tale and Legend Days" and was the editor of the cultural magazine "WIR. Das Magazin im Gerauer Land" for many years. He has received several awards for his contributions, including the Rhine-Main South Hesse Honorary Prize from the Regional President.
Memory, reflection, cultural understanding
"Returning to Darmstadt?" is more than a biographical flashback – it is an exploration of a city in transition, told through the eyes of a committed cultural journalist. Schmitt's reflections combine personal memory with a keen sense of cultural policy and simultaneously provide an important document on Darmstadt's contemporary history.
(RED/WCS)
More information about the author can be found at: www.wcschmitt.de
