Schliemann’s legendary life has been the subject of many biographies and archaeological monographs, hundreds of articles, at least two novels, and a host of documentaries. He, himself, published autobiographical essays as prefaces to his books. In 1892, two years after his death, Sophia, aided by the archaeologist Alfred Brückner, edited Heinrich Schliemann’s Selbstbiographie for separate publication.
At Sophia’s invitation, Emil Ludwig (1881-1948), already a famous literary biographer, published the first full-length biography of Schliemann in 1931. His Schliemann: The Story of a Gold-Seeker owes its impact to the author’s full access to Schliemann’s personal papers, an honest biography that provides ample insight into Schliemann’s gifted but difficult and controversial personality. By failing to depict Schliemann as sufficiently heroic, however, he displeased Schliemann’s son Agamemnon, who then invited Ernst Meyer (1888-1968) to write a more flattering volume. After decades of few substantive publications, Meyer’s Heinrich Schliemann: Kaufmann und Forscher finally appeared in 1969.
In the meantime, Alex Melas, Andromache’s son and Schliemann’s only surviving grandson, authorized authors Lynn and Gray Poole to write a new book about Heinrich and Sophia. One Passion, Two Loves: The Story of Heinrich and Sophia Schliemann, Discoverers of Troy appeared in 1966, utilizing new archival material found in the basement of Melas’s house.
Since then, by cataloguing and making the Schliemann Papers publicly available, the ASCSA has facilitated research and production of many critical studies about Schliemann, some questioned the reliability of his reporting as an archaeologist. For example, David Trail in Schliemann of Troy: Treasure and Deceit (1995), challenged Schliemann's 'archaeological discoveries' providing a critical study of his 'complex' personality. Last, but not least, the Heinrich-Schliemann-Museum, located in Schliemann’s former family home at Ankershagen, has raised further awareness about Schliemann’s importance with lectures, conferences, and a permanent exhibition.
