A Dialogue Between an Author and a Publisher: German Author Bernd Brunner

On Chapters, books, libraries, and the Middle East

Abstract

The article features an interview with the German author Bernd Brunner, conducted by publisher Sherif Bakr. Bakr remarks, "Mr. Brunner has constructed a remarkable literary career by investigating the unconventional facets of cultural history, ranging from the invention of the aquarium to the philosophy of lying down, and from the symbolism of winter to the allure of the North Pole. His works, translated into numerous languages including Arabic, are characterized by a seamless synthesis of rigorous research and elegant literary narrative." The author frequently addresses obscure subjects that are seldomly explored. Regarding this, Brunner states, "I do not personally categorize them as "strange," though The Art of Lying Down might be an exception. That particular book was proposed by Wolfgang Hörner, an editor at a German publishing house. His initial concept centered on beds and sleep; however, I transformed it into something distinct. It was a convergence and integration of two creative minds. The book examines the physical posture itself and the diverse cultural manifestations of the horizontal state. Brunner further explains, "My ideas for other books often emerge spontaneously, almost ex nihilo; perhaps from a newspaper article or a visit to a weekend market. This was the genesis of my first book on the invention of the aquarium; I discovered an antique volume on the subject at a market, which triggered a flow of ideas. Occasionally, one project evolves into another. My work on the experience of winter is intrinsically linked to my book on the North, which I began several years later. This, in turn, led me to contemplate on other significant destinations, such as the Holy Land, Palestine, where Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexist and visit, making it a profoundly compelling subject." In conclusion, he said, "Presently, I am deeply interested in "contact zones," spaces where individuals from diverse cultures encounter one another." This dialogue offers a captivating exploration of the essence of the writing craft.