Felix Jud
Felix Jud | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1899 Wilhelmstal, Germany |
| Died | 1985-08-25 |
| Occupation(s) | Bookseller, political activist |
| Known for | Anti-Nazi resistance, founder of Hamburger Bücherstube |
Felix Jud (1899–1985) was a German bookseller and political activist. Originating from Wilhelmstal, he initially trained as an ironmonger before joining the "Frommansche Buchhandlung" in Jena. However, he was dismissed due to issues with punctuality. In 1919, he moved to Hamburg where he found employment in a bookstore.
In 1923, together with Erna Kracht, Jud established the "Hamburger Bücherstube" located at Collonaden 104. Despite the severe economic difficulties and inflation following World War I, Jud believed in Hamburg’s commercial potential and successfully launched his enterprise. The bookstore quickly grew into an important cultural landmark within the city.
Under the Nazi regime, Jud resisted pressure to alter his surname, which was mistakenly associated with Jewish heritage. He employed bold and satirical window displays mocking Adolf Hitler and sold prohibited books, maintaining ties with the anti-Nazi "Weiße Rose" resistance group active in Hamburg. His bookstore became a meeting place for those opposing the dictatorship.
On December 18, 1943, Jud was arrested and detained at "Polizeigefängnis Fuhlsbüttel," later being transferred to KZ Neuengamme. He stood trial alongside others accused of anti-Nazi resistance.
Following the end of World War II, Jud reopened his bookstore, initially at "Neuer Wall 39." Subsequently, he operated temporarily from the "Hamburger Abendblatt" building with support from Axel Springer before permanently relocating to "Neuer Wall 13," where it remains today. Beginning in 1972, Wilfried Weber joined Jud in managing the bookstore, broadening its scope to include art dealings.
Personal life and death
In 1938, Jud wed Elisabeth Thode. The couple had three children: daughters Karen (born 1939), Barbara (born 1941), and a son Michael (born 1943).
Felix Jud passed away on August 25, 1985, aged 86. His final words referenced Goethe’s birthday, expressing a desire to die on that day. He requested his colleagues organize an elaborate funeral as his last wish. A street named "Felix-Jud Ring" in Hamburg-Neuallermöhe commemorates his legacy.