Gruppe 47: Literature, Politics, and the Political Economy of Postwar Publishing

Abstract

ABSTRACTScholars have long acknowledged the significance of Gruppe 47's close ties to the literary market. Group meetings from the early 1950s onward included a large number of media and publishing representatives. This is generally seen as a strong indicator of the group's success. However, the circumstances under which the group was able to form these market connections remain poorly understood. Studies tend to imply that there was a natural transition from literary merit to widespread public attention. This article reveals that the common perception hinges on a teleological bias. Gruppe 47's rise to success was neither linear nor self‐evident. Most importantly, the group's success was not brought about by literary merit. Other factors had a far greater impact, including political orientation, and an organisational structure that facilitated market connections. As a model, the particular case of Gruppe 47 is indicative of both the potential and the drawbacks of any such institution: While a cultural organisation with close ties to the market is exceptionally effective at promoting and popularising talent, it is equally effective at eclipsing commensurate talent, especially outside its boundaries.