ROR WOLF (1932-2020) was a renowned German writer, poet, and visual artist known for his experimental and avant-garde works; he also published under the pseudonym Raoul Tranchirer. Born on June 29, 1932, in Saalfeld, Thuringia, Germany, he initially trained as a draftsman before focusing on literature and art.

His formative years were spent in post-war Germany, a period that left a profound imprint on his later work. After completing high school, he held various jobs before pursuing his studies at the University of Frankfurt am Main, where he majored in sociology, philosophy, and literature.

Ror Wolf began his literary career in the late 1950s. His work is characterized by a mix of surrealism, absurdity, and a keen sense of the grotesque. He often employed collage techniques in his writing and visual art to create fragmented and thought-provoking pieces.

Some of Wolf's most notable works include:

Fortsetzung des Berichts (Continuation of the Report), (1964): A novel that exemplifies his fragmented and experimental style.

Die Vorzüge der Dunkelheit (The Advantages of Darkness), (1983): A collection of short stories that stand out for Wolf's unique narrative voice and surrealist influences, showcasing his distinct literary style.

Raoul Tranchirer, A series of absurdist and satirical prose pieces.

In addition to his literary work, Ror Wolf was also a visual artist. He created numerous collages and graphic pieces, often using found materials to construct new and unexpected images. Like his writing, his visual art is marked by a playful yet critical approach to reality.

Ror Wolf received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Hörspielpreis der Kriegsblinden and the Kassel Literary Prize for Grotesque Humor. His work has been widely recognized for its originality and contribution to German literature and art.

Wolf passed away on February 17, 2020, leaving a rich legacy of literary and artistic works that continue to inspire and challenge audiences.

Ror Wolf’s work published here was sent to the editor of this journal by the author before his death, through a common friend and writer, Michael Augustin. All translations into English are the creative work of the Irish poet Eva Bourke.