History of the Institute

Erich Maria Remarque

The Remarque Institute was created at New York University in 1995 under the direction of Professor Tony R. Judt to support and promote the study and discussion of Europe and its near neighbors; to encourage greater mutual understanding between Americans and Europeans; and to host talks and debates on subjects of common concern and topical significance. The Institute was named after Erich Maria Remarque, whose widow, Paulette Goddard, made a generous bequest to New York University.

The Institute's particular interest in the themes of dissidence, exile, and pacifism is a tribute to Remarque and a reflection of the trajectory of his life, the circumstances under which he worked, and the themes with which his most famous literary works are concerned.

The Remarque Institute is pleased to have in its own collection a signed first-edition copy of All Quiet on the Western Front, generously donated to the Institute in memory of Tony Judt by New York University professor of economics Janusz A. Ordover. Those interested in NYU materials connected to Erich Maria Remarque may contact the Fales Library at fales.library@nyu.edu, telephone: +1 212 998 2596.