Chamisso's shadow: Poetic journey of discovery in Tempelhof!

Chamisso's shadow: Poetic journey of discovery in Tempelhof!

Berlin, Deutschland - Today, on June 12, 2025, the work of the important natural researcher and poet Adelbert von Chamisso (1781-1838) will be recognized in Berlin. Chamisso, which was French origin, is known for his connection between literature and science. [berlin.de] (https://www.berlin.de/ba-tempelhof-schoeneberg/aktuelles/pressemageilungen/2025/Pressemage department. 1569326.php) reports that he has made a central contribution to German literature, in particular through his best-known work "Peter Schlemihl's miraculous history". This narrative addresses the man without a shadow, the lucky bag and the seven -mile boots and lets many autobiographical elements flow in.

Adelbert von Chamisso, born on January 30, 1781 in France and died on August 21, 1838 in Berlin, worked, among other things, in the royal botanical garden, which is now known as Heinrich-von-Kleist-Park. During his time in Berlin, he was not only active as a writer, but was also involved in the scientific field by researching the flora and fauna. Wikipedia emphasizes that Chamisso took part in the Rurik expedition from 1815 to 1818, in which he cardographed the Alaska coast.

cultural events in honor of Chamissos

As part of an event series, Roland Kretschmer, a free recitator, will read from "Peter Schlemihl's miraculous history". In addition, Ulrike Ottinger's film "Chamissos Shadow. A film trip to the Beringsee in three chapters" is shown on several dates. The film, which includes a total of twelve hours, describes Chamisso's travel route from 1815 to 1818 with a Russian warship. This film series is funded by the decentralized cultural work Tempelhof-Schöneberg and is supplemented by further dates in August. For more information, interested parties can contact Sibylle Nägele and Joy Markert from the Literature Salon Potsdamer Strasse.

chamisso is considered a central figure of the 19th century that bridged the gap between literature and science. His critical views on the Russian colonial rule and the humanistic representations of the indigenous population make him an early representative of the ethnological perspective in literature. archive.org offers further insights into his literary work and his biography.

his legacy not only lives on in his writings. In Berlin there are several memorials, including the Chamissoplatz and the Chamisso primary school, which are reminiscent of his life and work. In addition, the Adelbert-von Chamisso Prize has been awarded since 1985 to distinguish authors of non-German mother tongue, which shows its ongoing commitment to diversity and international cultural communication.