About
German editor and historian best known for his work at publications including The Atlantic Times, The German Times and The Asia Pacific Times. He was editor in chief at the German newspaper Die Zeit, and wrote multiple articles and books.
Before Fame
He studied history and political science in Sweden, at the University of Tübingen. Later he studied in the United States, at Manchester College and the University of Chicago. After returning to Germany, his first editing job was for a local newspaper, the Rems-Zeitung in Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Trivia
He taught courses at both the University of Hamburg and Harvard University. Sommer was regarded as one of Germany's experts on international relations and strategic issues. According to Die Zeit, "he decisively shaped" the paper into a "cosmopolitan, liberal publication, [which] welcomes debate" with "his temperament, his energy, his shrewd judgment and his cheerfulness".
Family Life
He married and had two sons with Elda Sommer née Tsilenis. He married again and had two more sons. He ultimately married a third time, and had a daughter.
Associated With
During his time at Die Zeit, he worked with Helmut Schmidt.
