Gottfried Benn (2 May 1886 – 7 July 1956) was a German essayist, novelist, and poet. Benn’s work offers, among other aspects, an introverted nihilism: an existentialist philosophy which sees artistic expression as the only purposeful action. In his early poems Benn used his medical experience and terminology to portray a conception of humanity as another species of disease-ridden animal. His work is deeply influenced by his experience as a practicing pathologist and physician. Until shortly before his death, Benn worked as a dermatologist and venereologist. Depicted here is a collection of dedication copies of his books as well as autographs and memorabilia.