100 years of Dora Dunkl: Steyr's literary legend celebrates a new edition

100 years of Dora Dunkl: Steyr's literary legend celebrates a new edition

On June 1, 2025, the city of Steyr reminds the impressive poet with a new edition of a work about Dora Dunkl, who shaped the city's literary life for decades. The new edition, published by Marlene Krisper at Ennsthaler Verlag, falls on the 100th birthday of the deceased author, who was born in 1925 and died in 1982 at the age of 58. With her unmistakable metaphorical language, Dunkl created both poetry and prose, which takes a special place in Steyr's history of literature. The first appearance of this biography was already on May 28, 2025, and the book was quickly out of print in the publisher & gallery Steyrdorf after its first publication in 2003.

Dora Dunkl was not only an impressive writer, but also the initiator of legendary serenade evenings in the Dunklhof, a late Gothic building that brought a southern atmosphere to Steyr. These events became a popular meeting place for those interested in culture and contributed to further consolidating Dunkl's status as a figurehead of the city. Her art has always been a reaction to the dictation of the zeitgeist; Dunkl lived excessively and remained true to herself, which made her an extraordinary personality. Beauty was a central motive in her work, with shape and content being in a harmonious balance.

Marlene Krimmage

Marlene Krisper, who was born in Graz in 1940 and has lived in Steyr since 1966, was close friends with Dunkl. In her biographical retelling, she approaches the poet through filtered memories, which she combines into a lively picture of the woman and artist. This new edition is the result of an intensive examination of Dunkl's work and life. Krisper himself has a rich educational horizon in German studies and Romance studies, taught German and French and was involved as a cultural mediator, organizer of readings and author of essays.

The presentation of the book will take place on June 7th at 10:30 a.m. in the Dunklhof during the Literature Days Steyr, which further increases the anticipation for the events around Dunkl. From July 3rd to 5th, a series of events will be due, in which Krisper is also part of the game. These celebrations not only offer the opportunity to put Dunkl's literary legacy back into the spotlight, but also to enable the community to get a deeper connection to their history.

Dora Dunkl remains more than just a literary figure; It represents Steyr's cultural identity. Your work has inspired generations and will continue to shape the literary landscape in the future. Marlene Krisper's new edition helps to keep the importance of this remarkable artist alive and make her messages accessible to a new generation of readers.

For more information about the book and the upcoming events, click on Tips and Reading jury.