This book explores how the East German Writers Union became a site for the contestation of writers' roles in GDR society with consequences well beyond the literary community.

Introduction
German Writers Associations through 1970
Socioeconomic Functions
The Era of No Taboos? 1971-75
A Disciplining Instrument, 1976-79
Defending Peace, Defining Participation, 1979-83
Years of Resignation, 1983-85
Glasnost in the GDR? 1985-89
Coming Full Circle, 1989-90
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index