Stefan Zweig
- Born:
- November 28, 1881, Vienna, Austria-Hungary
- Died:
- February 22, 1942, Petrópolis, Brazil
- Nationality:
- Austrian (later stateless)
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Playwright, Journalist, Biographer, Translator
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy Austrian Jewish family.
- Studied philosophy and literature at the University of Vienna, earning a doctorate in 1904.
- Traveled extensively throughout Europe, establishing connections with prominent literary figures.
Career and Major Achievements
- Gained recognition for his psychological insights and elegant prose style.
- Advocated for pacifism and European unity during World War I and the interwar period.
- Experienced increasing political instability and persecution due to his Jewish heritage, eventually leading to exile.
- Completed his autobiography, "the world of yesterday memoirs of a european", offering a poignant reflection on a lost world and the rise of totalitarianism.
Notable Works
- Novellas: Letter from an Unknown Woman, Amok, Chess Story
- Biographies: Marie Antoinette, Joseph Fouché, Erasmus of Rotterdam, Magellan
- Autobiography: The World of Yesterday
- Plays: Jeremias
Legacy and Impact
Stefan Zweig is remembered for his sensitive portrayals of human nature, his advocacy for peace and international understanding, and his insightful chronicles of European history. His works continue to be widely read and admired for their literary merit and historical significance.