Michael van Orsouw03.09.2024Franz Heinrich Achermann (1881–1946) is no longer remembered today. Nonetheless, the Lucerne clergyman wrote about 40 novels and dramas and was once Switzerland’s most widely read author of books for young people.
Claire Blaser29.08.2024Frieda Hauswirth was a Swiss national, US citizen and British subject: one woman's odyssey across continents and corridors of power.
James Blake Wiener30.07.2024A dazzling array of celestial phenomena occurred over the skies of Basel in July and August 1566. The spectacle was so unusual that it precipitated much public discussion and the publication of a leaflet which reflects a Switzerland grappling with deep social unease and tensions.
Dominik Landwehr30.01.2024In 1971, two young creatives captured the world’s attention with a free book. They distributed the work throughout German-speaking Switzerland with the backing of prominent literary figures.
Christophe Vuilleumier16.01.2024Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was famous in the 17th century for travelling as far as India. The adventurer and author wanted to retire in Aubonne. But his settled life did not last long.
Michael van Orsouw04.12.2023Marie Josse d’Hemel was a distinguished lady who married a Lucerne patrician. She is also said to have died twice. The first time a gravedigger wanted to steal her expensive clothes, which prompted her to return from the dead and live on for another 20 years – a cautionary tale for any would-be grave robbers.
James Blake Wiener14.11.2023James Joyce’s impact upon world literature is profound and he wrote a sizable portion of Ulysses in Zürich – a city that he enjoyed immensely and called home several times during his tumultuous life.
Maria Becker20.10.2023The estate of Lisa Tetzner and Kurt Kläber contains letters from their young readers that highlight how the books resonated with people.
