Max Frisch

Frisch, with his long-time friend Dürenmatt, was one of the most notable Swiss writers of his era and among the most influential in the German language in the post-war years (his essays remain unknown in English). As a young man, meeting Brecht – the first great writer he knew – was a source of generous encouragement; Brecht suggested writing a play together, but Frisch worried about losing his identity. He played simultaneous chess with Calder and Beckett, had an intense relationship with Bachmann, visited Mekas (interested in their shared diaristic approach), and was challenged by his friend Johnson about his self-confessed laziness.