Participating in the international formation of The Autobiography Society and its flagship journal a|b : Auto|Biography Studies

Abstract

This essay reviews a German American Studies scholar’s participation in the formation of The Autobiography Society and in the foundation of the journal a|b: Auto|Biography Studies, during stays in the US and as chair at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz. It recalls the international efforts to establish worldwide organizations, such as IABA, and to institute life writing centers. The practice and theory of life writing represent major tools of coping with all aspects of life as writers and critics and play an important role in the academy and in public.