Algeria

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In the 1950s, eighteen-year-old Dirk Alvermann traveled to Algeria, captivated by the struggle for freedom against French colonial rule. Joining a unit of the Algerian liberation army, he crossed the tightly controlled border from Tunisia into the Eastern Algerian war zone, intent on documenting the unfolding events through photography. Upon returning to West Germany, Alvermann aimed to publish his work in a format that would circulate like a political manifesto. The pocket book series rororo, launched by Rowohlt in 1950, seemed perfect for his vision. Initially, Rowohlt agreed to publish the book but later retracted their support, deeming it inappropriate to align with the Algerian resistance. Ultimately, the book was published in 1960 by East Berlin's Rütten & Loening as a hardcover, diverging from Alvermann’s original concept. Steidl’s new edition honors the artist's intentions, presenting the work in the rororo format with a softcover finish. Accompanied by historical documents and quotes from various sources, the book remains relevant, depicting a people's fight against oppression and despotism, whether from European colonialism or contemporary dictatorial regimes. Born in Düsseldorf in 1937, Alvermann became a prominent political photographer and later transitioned to filmmaking and authorship after emigrating to East Berlin in 1966.