Helmut Haberkamm Reads in Erlangen from The Baron in the Blue House
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Johann de Kalb: A Franconian-American Life Story Becomes Audible
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, Helmut Haberkamm invites you to a special English reading from his novel The Baron in the Blue House at kubic in Erlangen. The focus is on Johann Kalb, who was born as a farmer's son in Hüttendorf in 1721 and became Baron de Kalb, a highly decorated general in the American Revolution.
A Historical Bridge between Franconia and the USA
Haberkamm's novel connects regional history with transatlantic memory culture. The biography of Johann Kalb leads from Middle Franconia into the political and military upheavals of the 18th century. This extraordinary development creates a narrative movement between origin, departure, and historical responsibility.
The reading simultaneously establishes a vibrant connection between Erlangen and the American partner city of Riverside. Guests from California will participate via video conference. Thus, literature becomes a shared experiential space across language and country borders.
Literary Language Art and International Perspective
Helmut Haberkamm is one of the prominent contemporary Franconian authors. His literary work ranges from award-winning dialect poetry to plays and essays, to historical novels. He studied English, American Studies, and German Studies in Erlangen and Swansea, combining linguistic precision with narrative vividness in his work.
For his literary achievements, Haberkamm has received, among others, the Bavarian Art Promotion Prize for Literature, the Franconian Cube, and the Wolfram von Eschenbach Prize. His engagement with the English language and American culture also shapes this event: The reading will be from an unpublished English translation of the novel.
Reading Atmosphere with Space for Exchange
The English reading in Seminar Room 1 of kubic promises a concentrated literary experience. The voice, rhythm, and sound of the English language give the historical narrative a unique presence. After the reading, there will be an opportunity for questions to the author and for exchange with the connected guests from Riverside.
The venue is accessible for people with disabilities. An elevator, ramp, accessible restroom, wheelchair spaces, and a tactile guidance system are available.
Conclusion: History as a Shared Literary Experience
This reading opens an unusual access to a nearly forgotten historical figure and makes the connection between Erlangen, the USA, and literature tangible. Those interested in historical novels, Franconian cultural history, English readings, and transatlantic exchange will experience a special author encounter at kubic. Admission is free.
Official Channels of Helmut Haberkamm:
- Instagram: no official profile found
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- Website: no official profile found
- Publisher: https://arsvivendi.com
