Primal vision

Gottfried Benn, a German writer and doctor who served in both World War I and World War II, occupies a curious place in the annals of modern literature. His contribution to German letters in the 20th century is undeniable, but his work centers so strongly on the grotesque and horrible that he has never risen to the levels of adoration reserved for poets like Rilke. This is understandable, but a bit of a shame. (Benn's obsession with images of death, decay, and disfigurement are not surprising, considering the fact that during World War I he was stationed in Brussels, where he was in charge of treating the venereal diseases of prostitutes and prisoners of war.) Benn was also a supporter of National Socialism in its early days but turned against the regime after the Night of the Long Knives. Primal Vision is a comprehensive collection of his poems and prose. The prose works are translated into English (including his essay 'National Socialism and Art'), and the poems are printed in both English translation and in the original German. This book is perfect for English readers who have never before encountered Benn.