Zweig, Stefan. (1881-1942). Autograph Letter, Accepting an Invitation "probably together with Hofmannsthal".
Zweig, a novelist, playwright, journalist and biographer, made his name in the inter-war period as the author of novels and biographies. After the rise of the Nazi party, his Jewish background meant that his work was banned and his books burned in the Third Reich. He fled Austria for London in 1934 and continued westwards to the United States and then to Brazil with his second wife in 1940. In desperation over the horrors continuing in Europe, the two committed suicide together in 1942. Zweig was also a prolific autograph collector and his massive collection of musical and literary manuscripts resides at the British Library.
Autograph letter from the Austrian writer who became one of the most highly regarded men of letters writing in German between the wars, accepting an invitation and mentioning that he will bring Hugo van Hofmannsthal with him. Berlin, November 21, 1921. Translated from the German, in part: "Dear Madam, let me say gratefully in this brief line that I will come very happily on Thursday evening, probably together with Hofmannsthal, as you so kindly suggested." 1 page. Wrinkled, folded with small losses to edges and corners, upper half somewhat faded, tape repair on verso.
Zweig and Hugo van Hofmannsthal had a fraught relationship. Zweig praised Hofmannsthal's youthful genius as "one of the greatest miracles of accomplishment early in life; in world literature, except for Keats and Rimbaud, I know no other youthful example of a similar impeccability in the mastering of language," but Hofmannsthal apparently never warmed to Zweig, perhaps seeing him as a rival.
Zweig, Stefan. (1881-1942). Autograph Letter, Accepting an Invitation "probably together with Hofmannsthal".
Zweig, a novelist, playwright, journalist and biographer, made his name in the inter-war period as the author of novels and biographies. After the rise of the Nazi party, his Jewish background meant that his work was banned and his books burned in the Third Reich. He fled Austria for London in 1934 and continued westwards to the United States and then to Brazil with his second wife in 1940. In desperation over the horrors continuing in Europe, the two committed suicide together in 1942. Zweig was also a prolific autograph collector and his massive collection of musical and literary manuscripts resides at the British Library.
Autograph letter from the Austrian writer who became one of the most highly regarded men of letters writing in German between the wars, accepting an invitation and mentioning that he will bring Hugo van Hofmannsthal with him. Berlin, November 21, 1921. Translated from the German, in part: "Dear Madam, let me say gratefully in this brief line that I will come very happily on Thursday evening, probably together with Hofmannsthal, as you so kindly suggested." 1 page. Wrinkled, folded with small losses to edges and corners, upper half somewhat faded, tape repair on verso.
Zweig and Hugo van Hofmannsthal had a fraught relationship. Zweig praised Hofmannsthal's youthful genius as "one of the greatest miracles of accomplishment early in life; in world literature, except for Keats and Rimbaud, I know no other youthful example of a similar impeccability in the mastering of language," but Hofmannsthal apparently never warmed to Zweig, perhaps seeing him as a rival.