Alfred Doblin

Date of Birth: August 10, 1878

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 26, 1957

Biography

Alfred Döblin was a German novelist, essayist, and physician, best known for his novel “Berlin Alexanderplatz” (1929), which is considered one of the most important works of the Weimar Republic era. Born into a Jewish family in Stettin, Germany (now Szczecin, Poland), Döblin faced early hardships when his father abandoned the family. Despite these challenges, he pursued a medical career and became a practicing neurologist and psychiatrist. His medical background significantly influenced his literary work, which often explores the human psyche and social issues. Döblin was a contemporary of Thomas Mann and Bertolt Brecht, and his innovative narrative techniques and deep psychological insights earned him a prominent place in 20th-century literature. After fleeing the Nazi regime in 1933, Döblin spent years in exile in France and the United States before returning to Germany after World War II. He continued to write until his death in 1957.

5 Interesting Facts about Alfred Doblin

1. Alfred Döblin was a practicing neurologist and psychiatrist before fully dedicating himself to writing.

2. His novel “Berlin Alexanderplatz” has been adapted into several films and a TV mini-series.

3. Döblin converted to Catholicism in 1941 while in exile in the United States.

4. He was awarded the prestigious Georg Büchner Prize in 1954 for his contributions to German literature.

5. Despite his significant literary achievements, Döblin’s work was not widely recognized until after his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alfred Doblin

1. “The individual is the only reality. The further we move away from the individual, the less reality we have.”

2. “The spirit of the times is not always the spirit of wisdom.”

3. “One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the heaviest odds.”

4. “Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.”

5. “Art is the funnel, as it were, through which spirit is poured into life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Alfred Döblin’s net worth was never officially documented, but his highest net worth is estimated to have been modest, in line with that of a well-regarded author and physician of his time.

Children

Alfred Döblin had four children with his wife Erna Reiss: Stefan, Klaus, Wolfgang, and Peter. His family accompanied him through his years of exile and return to Germany.