Died Günter Grass – lanacion.com (Argentina)

The German writer Günter Grass , Nobel Literature Prize and Prince of Asturias Literature in 1999, died today aged 87 in the city of Lübeck (north of Germany), sources with the publisher Steidl.

Considered the most important writer in German postwar and a political leader in his country, Grass became world famous with the publication of his novel The Tin Drum , in 1959.

Forty years later, in 1999, received the two most prestigious awards in the global literary field, the Nobel and Prince of Asturias Award for Letters , in recognition of his long career as a writer.

Along with “ The Tin Drum “, highlighted in his literary works such as “ Peeling the Onion “(2006), his controversial memoir; “ Crabwalk ” (2002), “ My Century ” (1999), “ long story ” (1995), “ Meeting in Telga “,” The turbot “(1977),” Dog Years “(1963) or” The cat and the Mouse “(1961).

Out of the strictly literary, a Grass is considered a moral and political authority in Germany, for their continued commitment to both the recent past of their country, for their ability to enter into any controversy, social or otherwise, whether historical or current events.

supported the policy of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in times of Chancellor Willy Brandt , but then turned away from the line of such training, as too centrist, supported successive election campaigns, including that which came to power Gerhard Schröder (1998-2005)

Conversely, was the scourge of the conservative ranks, especially in times of Chancellor Helmut Kohl (1982-1998).

In the literary field, was also legendary enmity with the fiercest critic of the country Marcel Reich-Ranicki .

In recent times, the figure was involved in successive controversies, both for its recognition in the memoirs published in 2006, he had served in Hitler’s troops of the Waffen SS, for his criticism of Israel, who two years ago accused of endangering peace in the world, matter considered taboo in Germany.

Agencies EFE and AFP .