Max Rudolf Frisch, born in Zurich, Switzerland, on May 15, 1911, is remembered as a monumental figure in post-World War II German literature. A man of many talents, Frisch was an architect, novelist, playwright, and philosopher, whose works deeply explored the human condition, touching on themes of identity, individuality, responsibility, morality, and political commitment. Known for his sharp use of irony, Frisch's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on the literary world.

Frisch began his journey in life as the son of Franz Bruno Frisch, an architect, and Karolina Bettina Frisch (née Wildermuth). His academic pursuits started at the University of Zurich where he studied German literature. However, after the death of his father in 1932, financial difficulties forced him to abandon his studies. He then embarked on a career as a journalist and columnist for the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), a major Swiss newspaper.

Throughout his life, Frisch maintained a complex relationship with the NZZ, marked by both love and contention due to the conservative views of the newspaper, which often clashed with his own. Despite these challenges, he continued to write, producing works that would establish him as a founding member of Gruppe Olten and earn him prestigious awards such as the 1965 Jerusalem Prize, the 1973 Grand Schiller Prize, and the 1986 Neustadt International Prize for Literature. His diaries, Tagebuch 1946-1949 and Tagebuch 1966-1971, are particularly valued for their literary merit and insight into historical events.

Frisch's legacy extends beyond his literary achievements, serving as an inspiration for younger generations of writers and leaving an indelible mark on the world of literature.