Jena, April 16, 2026. The Jena literature professor Dirk von Petersdorff presents his latest work. Following previous publications in the field of poetry, he dedicates his new book “Abschied von der Leichtigkeit” to biographical themes and invites the public to a reading in the city on the Saale.
- Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk von Petersdorff (Institute for German Literary Studies, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena)
- New Book: “Abschied von der Leichtigkeit”
- Genre: Biography / Autobiographical prose
- Event: Book presentation and reading in Jena
From Poetry to Biography
Dirk von Petersdorff teaches at the Institute for German Literary Studies at the Universität Jena and has previously appeared in the literary scene primarily as an author of multifaceted volumes of poetry. With his current title “Abschied von der Leichtigkeit,” he is now making a transition to narrative prose. In the book, the Germanist presents a detailed biography that combines personal reflections with literary observation.
Interested citizens and students have the opportunity to experience the professor live during a local reading in Jena. On this occasion, Petersdorff will appear as a writer outside of everyday academic life and provide insights into his biographical writing.
Background: Literature and Science in Jena
The connection between academic research and one’s own literary production has deep-rooted traditions at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena. The university, where namesake Friedrich Schiller once taught, has functioned for centuries as a hub for thinkers and writers. Professors who emerge as book authors significantly enrich the city’s cultural scene. Autobiographical texts penned by literary scholars often offer the reading public a particularly subtle language and multi-layered interpretations, as they closely link narrative craft and personal life experience.
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