Martin Hielscher

Martin Hielscher (b. 1957) holds the Theodor W. Adorno Chair and Professorship of Literature and Media at The European Graduate School (EGS). He concurrently teaches at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and serves as Honorary Professor at University of Bamberg. His academic work bridges critical theory, media philosophy, and creative writing through interdisciplinary approaches.

Education:studied German Literature and Philosophy at University of Hamburg (PhD 1985 on Wolfgang Koeppen's post-war novels). Professional roles include editorships at Luchterhand Publishers (1992–93), Kiepenheuer & Witsch (1994–2001), and C.H.Beck (since 2001). Known for promoting German-language literature through anthologies like Wenn der Kater kommt (1996) and translations of major international authors.

Research emphasizes Adorno's aesthetic theory, media's role in communication, and literary responses to historical trauma. Recent publications analyze book culture's societal role and modern narrative forms. His teaching integrates guest author workshops with philosophical discourse, exemplified in the Adorno and Aesthetic Theory lecture series.