Erich Fried

Frequently asked questions

• What is Erich Fried best known for?

  Erich Fried is widely recognized for his politically charged and often satirical poetry, which frequently addressed themes of war, injustice, and social critique. His work is also celebrated for its poignant love poems and its exploration of language itself.

• What is a good starting point for new readers of Erich Fried?

  New readers often begin with "Es ist was es ist" (It Is What It Is), a collection that brings together his love poems, poems of anxiety, and poems of anger, offering a comprehensive introduction to his diverse poetic voice. Another excellent entry point is "100 Selected Poems," which provides a broad overview of his most significant works.

• Did Erich Fried translate other works?

  Erich Fried was a prolific translator, notably bringing many works of William Shakespeare into German, including several plays and sonnets. He also translated works by Dylan Thomas, T.S. Eliot, and other English-language poets.