Altdorf's earliest poems, written during military service and as a prisoner of war, reflected on nature, poetry and art. Beginning a new life, post-war, as an artist, Altdorf explored how the human figure might be depicted through increasingly abstract representations. Similarly, he refined his poetry to create 'a new, free, melodic' language' with 'a simple, song-like beauty'. Presenting Altdorf's poetry alongside his art reveals a powerfully interconnected vision shaped but not defined by war: a humanitarian outlook informed by a profound spiritual belief.

About the Author
Born in Pomerania, the German artist Egon Altdorf (1922-2008) settled in 1946 in Wiesbaden, where he worked as a sculptor, printmaker and stained-glass designer. Throughout his life he wrote poetry, creating a body of work that reflects upon his own art, the art of others and the world around him. Dr Judith LeGrove is a writer who has worked extensively with artists and their archives. Recent publications include Geoffrey Clarke: a sculptor's materials (2017), Into the Light: The Art of Egon Altdorf (2023) and Kenneth Draper: On the Edge of Sculpture (2023). Michael Trevor was a production designer for many years. His credits include The Secret Agent (BBC 1992, from Joseph Conrad's novel), The Ice House (BBC 1997), and a short film by Christophe Gerard, Annotations (2001). He has longstanding interests in architectural history, poetry, and German literature.


Book Information
ISBN 9781915670120
Author Egon Altdorf
Format Paperback
Page Count 112
Imprint Sansom & Co
Publisher Sansom & Co