Vicki ALDIS

Dietmar Dath, born in 1970, is a German writer, journalist, and translator whose work spans various genres, including science fiction, horror, and fantasy. He has also published extensively on sociological, philosophical, and cultural topics. Dath's career began with translations and editing roles, including a stint as chief editor of the magazine Spex and as an editor for the Arts section of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. He has since published numerous novels and essays, often exploring themes of science fiction, social commentary, and personal experience. His works have received accolades, such as the Kurd Laßwitz Award, and have been translated into several languages. Dath's political stance is explicitly Marxist, advocating for democratic production and updating socialist theories. He has collaborated with musicians on various projects and his literary works frequently engage with philosophical and political ideas.

Dath's literary output primarily falls under the umbrella of fantastic literature, encompassing horror, science fiction, and fantasy. His novels frequently incorporate autobiographical elements and are often set in small towns, reflecting his own background. Many characters in his stories are employed within the media or the broader culture industry. Dath's writing delves into aesthetics, alongside social, political, sexual, biological, and gender issues, often through a science-fictional lens. He draws inspiration from a diverse range of authors, including Harlan Ellison, Joanna Russ, and Irmtraud Morgner. His extensive work 'Niegeschichte' critically examines science fiction as a medium for artistic expression and cognitive transformation.

Dietmar Dath identifies as a Marxist and has publicly discussed his views on the future of society from a Marxist perspective. He supports a system of democratic production, aiming for the highest attainable technological level while maintaining the division of labor. Dath actively reinterprets and updates concepts from thinkers like Lenin and Marx, which is evident in his literary works. His essay 'Maschinenwinter' (Machine Winter) is a significant piece of political commentary, and his semi-autobiographical interview in 'Alles fragen, nichts fürchten' further explores his political ideas. He has expressed a clear desire for the abolition of capitalism, favoring socialism as an alternative.

Beginning his career in the mid-1990s, Dath initially published with smaller presses before moving to larger publishers like Suhrkamp Verlag. He has also worked as a journalist and translator, rendering works by authors such as Joe Lansdale into German. Dath served as chief editor for the magazine Spex and held an editorial position in the Arts section of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung for several years, returning to the newspaper as a film critic and editor in 2011. His novels have garnered awards, including the Kurd Laßwitz Award, and have been translated into languages such as Russian, Greek, Korean, Polish, and English, indicating a significant international reach for his speculative fiction.