Journalist W. Christian Schmitt remembers 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 special focus on the science city of Darmstadt. Published by UDVM-Verlag in conjunction with the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, the book, in 18 richly illustrated chapters, explores formative encounters, political developments, and cultural milestones.
Personal memories and cultural-historical portraits
Schmitt, born in 1944, began his journalistic career with an internship in the arts section of the Darmstädter Echo. In his new book, he draws from his early experiences as a cultural editor to current conversations with personalities who continue to shape Darmstadt's cultural landscape.
The focus is on numerous portraits from the worlds of culture, business, and local politics. Schmitt recalls formative encounters with four mayors of Darmstadt – Günther Metzger, Peter Benz, Walter Hoffmann, and Hanno Benz – and also recounts workshop visits, table discussions, and personal impressions. Around 80 photos and illustrations visually complement this journalistic journey through time.
Matinee for the book premiere at the Groß-Gerau City Museum
The first presentation of the book will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Groß-Gerau City Museum. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Museum director Jürgen Volkmann will provide the welcome address, and Dr. Paul-Hermann Gruner will moderate the event, with musical accompaniment by Hans-Werner Brun.
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 a member of the editorial board of the Börsenblatt 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 articles. His books have been published by renowned publishers such as C. Bertelsmann, Heyne, Ullstein, and Langen-Müller. His most recent titles include " Literature 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 for many years was the editor of the cultural magazine "WIR. Das Magazin im Gerauer Land." He has received numerous awards for his services, including the Rhein-Main Südhessen Honorary Prize from the District President.
Memory, reflection, cultural understanding
"Homecoming to Darmstadt?" is more than a biographical flashback—it is an approach to a city in transition, told through the eyes of a dedicated cultural journalist. Schmitt's reflections combine personal memories with cultural-political insight, simultaneously providing an important document on Darmstadt's contemporary history.
(RED/WCS)
More information about the author can be found at: www.wcschmitt.de
