Hans Baumann
Hans Baumann was a German writer and educator born on April 22, 1914, in Amberg, Bavaria. He started his literary career in the late 1930s and early 1940s, publishing poetry and plays while also being involved in youth organizations. Baumann served in the German Army during World War II and, after the war, transitioned from manual labor to a full-time writing career. His works primarily targeted young adults and children, exploring historical themes like Genghis Khan and ancient civilizations. One of his notable novels, "Sons of the Steppe," earned recognition as the best juvenile book of the year by The New York Herald Tribune. Baumann wrote nearly fifty books throughout his career, which were translated into over twenty languages. He passed away on November 7, 1988, in Murnau, Bavaria, leaving behind a diverse literary legacy that garnered awards in multiple countries. His contributions to children's literature and historical narratives continue to be appreciated today.
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Subject Terms
Hans Baumann
Children's Literature Writer
- Born: April 22, 1914
- Birthplace: Amberg, Bavaria, Germany
- Died: November 7, 1988
- Place of death: Murnau, Bavaria, Germany
Biography
Hans Baumann was born on April 22, 1914, in Amberg, Bavaria, Germany. His parents were Johann Baumann, an inspector, and Elisabeth Kraus Baumann. As a teenager, he was a member of the Catholic Youth Federation and the Hitler Youth, and he wrote inspirational songs for the groups. He attended the University of Berlin and returned to Bavaria to become a teacher from 1933 to 1934. In the late 1930’s and early 1940’s he published three books of poetry and four plays that were moderately successful. He joined in the German Army in 1939 and served in Russia and France, where he spent some time as a prisoner of war. In 1942 he married Elisabeth Zolgmann, a violinist, and the couple had a daughter, Veronika. After the war, he worked as a manual laborer and eventually was able to become a full-time writer. Baumann wrote in German, and his works were not translated into English until his 1951 young-adult novel, Der Sohn des Columbus, appeared as Son of Columbus in 1957. His best-known novel, Sons of the Steppe: The Story of How the Conqueror Genghis Khan Was Overcome (1958), was named the best juvenile book of the year by The New York Herald Tribune. Many of his books dealt with history, including stories of the pharaohs, the gods of Peru, and Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps. He died on November 7, 1988, in Murnau, Bavaria, Germany. Through a long career Baumann wrote nearly fifty books, including poetry, songs, nonfiction books about music, translations, and children’s books. His children’s books were translated into more than twenty languages, and he won awards in several countries.