Μichael Andreas Helmuth Ende was a renowned German author, born in Garmisch, Bavaria, on November 12, 1929. He became famous for his fantasy novels and children's books, which have been translated into more than 40 languages and sold over 35 million copies worldwide. Ende passed away in Stuttgart in 1995 due to stomach cancer.
Ende was the son of surrealist painter Edgar Ende. He is best known for his epic fantasy "The Neverending Story," but he also gained popularity with other works such as "Momo" and "Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer" (Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver). Ende's writing is known for its unique blend of reality and fantasy, often inviting readers to take a more interactive role in his stories. This approach creates immersive worlds that mirror our reality, using fantasy to shed light on the challenges of modern society, especially the negative impacts of increasing technological advancements.
In addition to his literary work, Michael Ende was an advocate for economic reform. He incorporated the concept of aging money into his novel "Momo," reflecting his interest in and influence by anthroposophy. Ende once stated that he wrote his stories for the child within each person, stating, "It is for this child in me, and in all of us, that I tell my stories" and "my books are for any child between 80 and 8 years" (qtd. Senick 95, 97). Ende's works have been adapted into various forms of media, including motion pictures, stage plays, operas, and audio books, showcasing the enduring appeal and global impact of his storytelling.