Alfred Neumann (writer)

Alfred Neumann (January 15, 1895 – October 3, 1952) was a German novelist, dramatist, poet, and essayist. He was born in Lautenburg, West Prussia (now Lidzbark, Poland) and died in Lugano, Switzerland.

Neumann was a prolific and versatile writer, known for his historical novels and plays that often explored themes of power, justice, and human fallibility. He gained considerable popularity in the Weimar Republic for his works, which were characterized by their dramatic intensity, psychological depth, and engaging storytelling.

He was forced to flee Germany in 1933 due to the Nazi regime and his Jewish heritage. He first went to Italy, then France, and finally settled in the United States in 1941, where he continued to write. His works were banned and burned by the Nazis.

Notable works include the historical novel Der Held (1928), translated as The Hero, and the plays König Philipp (1926) and Der Patriot (1927), often translated as The Patriot or Such Men Are Dangerous. He also wrote screenplays, including the 1945 film The Seventh Cross. Neumann's works reflect his keen understanding of history and his ability to portray complex characters caught in the crosscurrents of political and personal turmoil. He is considered an important figure in German literature of the 20th century.