About
Patrick Süskind, born March 26, 1949, in Ambach, Bavaria, is a German writer and dramatist. Son of journalist Wilhelm Emanuel Süskind, he studied medieval and modern history in Munich and Aix-en-Provence. His one-act play 'Der Kontrabaß' (1981) was a success, but it was his novel 'Perfume' (1985) that made him world-famous. This bestseller, translated into over 50 languages, was adapted into a film in 2006. He is also the author of 'The Pigeon' (1987) and 'The Story of Mr Sommer' (1991). Known for his reclusiveness, he refuses interviews and literary prizes.
* 1949-03-26
Major works
- Der Kontrabaß (1981)play
- Das Parfum (1985)novel
- Die Taube (1987)novel
- Die Geschichte von Herrn Sommer (1991)story
- Über Liebe und Tod (2006)essay
Key milestones
- 1985Publication of the novel 'Perfume', which becomes an international bestseller.
- 1987Receives the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel for 'Perfume'.
- 2006Film adaptation of 'Perfume' directed by Tom Tykwer.
Themes
ObsessionSolitudeArt and creationDeath and decayHuman nature
Sources: id.loc.gov · diogenes.ch