History of All Quiet on the Western Front in Timeline
Erich Maria Remarque's "All Quiet on the Western Front" is a semi-autobiographical novel depicting the harrowing experiences of German soldiers in World War I. The story follows young German soldiers as they grapple with the brutal realities of trench warfare, enduring horrific physical and psychological trauma. Beyond the immediate dangers of combat, the novel explores the soldiers' growing detachment from civilian life, highlighting the profound disconnect they feel upon returning home. Considered by many to be the quintessential war novel, "All Quiet on the Western Front" offers a stark and unforgettable portrayal of the war's devastating impact on the human spirit.
October 1918: Paul's Death and Final Report
In October 1918, the protagonist, Paul Bäumer, is killed on a quiet day at the front. The official report simply states, "All quiet on the Western Front."
December 9, 1928: End of Serial Publication
The serial publication of All Quiet on the Western Front in Vossische Zeitung magazine concluded on December 9, 1928.
December 1928: Serial Publication in Vossische Zeitung
In December 1928, All Quiet on the Western Front began its serialization in the German newspaper Vossische Zeitung.
January 1929: Book Publication and Immediate Success
Following its serialization, the novel was published in book form in January 1929, quickly achieving widespread recognition and commercial success.
1929: Book Ban in Austria
Austrian soldiers were forbidden from reading "All Quiet on the Western Front" in 1929, due to its anti-war message.
1929: Book Release and Bestseller Status
In 1929, the novel was published in book form and quickly became a bestseller, exceeding sales expectations and resonating with readers worldwide.
1930: Film Adaptation and Nazi Protests
The 1930 film adaptation of "All Quiet on the Western Front", while achieving critical acclaim, also sparked controversy and protests organized by the Nazi party.
1930: First Film Adaptation Release
The first film adaptation of "All Quiet on the Western Front" was originally released in 1930.
1930: First Film Adaptation and Awards
The first film adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front was released in 1930, directed by Lewis Milestone, and won two Academy Awards.
1931: Publication of "The Road Back"
Remarque published "The Road Back" in 1931, a sequel to "All Quiet on the Western Front," further exploring the lives of the surviving characters after World War I.
1931: Publication of Sequel and Nazi Ban
In 1931, Remarque published the sequel, "The Road Back." Both "All Quiet on the Western Front" and its sequel were subsequently banned and burned by the Nazi regime in Germany.
1933: Criticism of Medical Portrayal
In 1933, Dr. Karl Kroner criticized Remarque's portrayal of medical personnel in "All Quiet on the Western Front," expressing concerns about negative stereotypes of Germans.
1933: Nazi Book Burning and Film Protests
In 1933, when the Nazi party came to power, "All Quiet on the Western Front" was among the first books they publicly burned. Earlier, in 1930, screenings of the film adaptation faced Nazi-organized protests and attacks.
1933: Bans in Other Countries and Nazi Germany
The book was banned in other countries like Italy and Czechoslovakia, and again in Nazi Germany (after its initial ban), based on various justifications, including its pacifist message.
1936: Publication of "Three Comrades"
Remarque published "Three Comrades" in 1936, often considered thematically linked to his earlier war novels, although not a direct narrative sequel.
1979: Second Film Adaptation and Awards
In 1979, a second film adaptation, directed by Delbert Mann, was released. This television film garnered both a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award.
1993: New Translation by Brian Murdoch
Brian Murdoch published a new translation of "All Quiet on the Western Front" in 1993, offering a different interpretation of the title within the narrative while preserving the original title for the book itself.
2022: Third Film Adaptation and Awards
A third film adaptation, directed by Edward Berger, was released in 2022. This German adaptation won four Academy Awards.
2024: Entry into Public Domain (US)
In 2024, the novel "All Quiet on the Western Front" entered the public domain in the United States.
2026: Film Adaptation's Entry into Public Domain (US)
The 1930 film adaptation of "All Quiet on the Western Front" is set to enter the public domain in the United States in 2026.