The Life and Work of Günter Grass. Literature, History, Politics. By Julian Preece. New York: Palgrave, 2001. Pp. xii + 222. 8 plates. $65.

In his study of Günter Grass's "Life and Work," Julian Preece offers a convincing combination of biography and literary analysis, which is all the more effective because he presents these aspects as two interwoven strands throughout the book. The first chapter provides an overview of Grass's life, highlighting major historical events that marked his life and his work. Most importantly, Preece shows how the young Grass's perception of Germany's role in World War II gave rise to his postwar political activism. The following chapter is devoted to a discussion of the famous Danzig trilogy consisting of The Tin Drum, Cat and Mouse, and Dog Years, which are shown to be works that link biographical and historical elements. All three not only attempt to depict and understand history, but also deal with the role of the individual within his time. In addition, Preece briefly mentions literary influences such as Thomas Mann and outlines the international reaction to Grass's evocative imagery in order to situate the author in the political and cultural context of twentieth-century Germany.

Nicole A. Thesz
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign