author
Erich Kästner
1899–1974
A sharp, warm-hearted voice in German literature, Erich Kästner wrote witty poetry, political satire, and children’s classics that still invite readers to think for themselves. His stories combine humor, courage, and a deep respect for childhood.
1 Audiobook
Emil and the detectives : A story for children
by Erich Kästner
About the author
Born in Dresden on February 23, 1899, Erich Kästner studied German, history, philosophy, and theater in Leipzig, later earning a doctorate. He began as a poet, journalist, and critic before gaining wide attention for his lively, socially observant writing.
Kästner became internationally known for children’s books including Emil and the Detectives, Pünktchen und Anton, The Flying Classroom, and Lisa and Lottie. His work treated young readers as intelligent partners, placing them in vivid, realistic worlds filled with humor, friendship, and moral choices.
A prominent political satirist during the Weimar Republic, Kästner was among the authors whose socially critical books were burned by the Nazis in 1933. He died in Munich on July 29, 1974, leaving a body of work that remains widely read in Germany and around the world.