Origins & Early Life

Nelly Sachs (German pronunciation: [ˈnɛli zaks] ; 10 December 1891 – 12 May 1970) was a German–Swedish poet and playwright. Her experiences resulting from the rise of the Nazis in World War II Europe transformed her into a poignant spokesperson for the grief and yearnings of her fellow Jews. Her best-known play is Eli: Ein Mysterienspiel vom Leiden Israels (1950) (lit: Eli: A Mystery Play of Israel's Suffering); other works include the poems "Zeichen im Sand" (1962), "Verzauberung" (1970), and the collections of poetry In den Wohnungen des Todes (1947), Flucht und Verwandlung (1959), Fahrt ins Staublose (1961), and Suche nach Lebenden (1971). In 1966, she shared the Nobel Prize in Literature with the novelist, poet, and short-story writer Shmuel Yosef Agnon.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Leonie Sachs was born in Berlin-Schöneberg, Germany, in 1891 to a Jewish family. Her parents were the wealthy natural rubber and gutta-percha (latex) manufacturers Georg William Sachs (1858–1930) and his wife Margarete, née Karger (1871–1950). She was educated at home because of frail health. She showed early signs of talent as a dancer, but her protective parents did not encourage her to pursue a profession...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Antonio Gramsci — Contemporary (Born in 1891) (1891): Italian Marxist philosopher known for his theory of cultural hegemony.
• Arthur Rimbaud — Contemporary (Died in 1891) (1891): Transgressive French poet whose work profoundly influenced modern literature and surrealism.
• B. R. Ambedkar — Contemporary (Born in 1891) (1891): Pioneering jurist, economist, and social reformer who shaped modern India.
• Abraham Maslow — Contemporary (Died in 1970) (1970): Pioneering American psychologist known for the Hierarchy of Needs and self-actualization theory.
• Alan Shearer — Contemporary (Born in 1970) (1970): English football legend, record goalscorer, and respected pundit.
• Allen Lane — Contemporary (Died in 1970) (1970): Pioneering British publisher who founded Penguin Books, bringing literature to the masses.
• Ada Lovelace — Shared historical date (12-10 · Born) (1815): Pioneering mathematician recognized as the first computer programmer.
• Albert O. Hirschman — Shared historical date (12-10 · Died) (2012): Pioneering American economist known for development and political economy theories.
• Adolfo Pedernera — Shared historical date (05-12 · Died) (1995): Argentine football legend, nicknamed 'El Maestro,' pivotal in the 1940s.
• Amy Lowell — Shared historical date (05-12 · Died) (1925): American poet, key figure in the Imagist school, known for her vibrant verse.
• 1891 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1891
• December 10 (12-10) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 10
• 1970 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1970
• May 12 (05-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 12