Author
Stefan Zweig
1881-1942
Stefan Zweig (1881-1942) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Stefan Zweig
Émile Verhaeren
"Émile Verhaeren" by Stefan Zweig is a literary biography written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life and significance of the Belgian poet Émile Verhaeren, exploring his contributions to modern poetry and his embodiment of contemporary ideals and emotions. Zweig seeks to elucidate Verhaeren's impact on literature, emphasizing the profound transformation he brought to the understanding of life's beauty and complexity in the context of societal change. At the start of this biography, the author provides a preface that highlights Verhaeren's growing reputation, particularly in non-French speaking regions, and positions him as a significant figure of the avant-garde movement, sometimes misconstrued through the lens of futurism. The opening chapters articulate the author's admiration for Verhaeren, noting how his poetry reflects the tumult and dynamism of modern life. Zweig paints a vivid picture of Verhaeren's poetic themes, characterized by a rich engagement with the landscapes of his native Belgium and a focus on the struggles between nature, industry, and society, establishing the groundwork for a deeper exploration of his work throughout the volume.
Romain Rolland: The Man and His Work
"Romain Rolland: The Man and His Work" by Stefan Zweig is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and contributions of the French author Romain Rolland, highlighting his moral compass, artistic ideals, and the profound impact he had on European thought during a turbulent historical period. It aims to portray Rolland not just as a gifted writer but as a significant moral figure whose works reflected deep humanity and cultural understanding. The beginning of the work introduces readers to the context of Romain Rolland's life and artistic journey. It reflects on his solitary beginnings, marked by introspective labor and a gradual emergence into the European discourse following years of obscurity. The narrative highlights key moments from his childhood in a quiet provincial town to his formative years in Paris, emphasizing the vibrant influences of music and literature that shaped his identity. With a focus on Rolland's inner struggles and eventual resolution to champion ideals of peace and unity across Europe, Zweig establishes a foundation from which the rest of Rolland's multifaceted life and work will unfold.
Három mester : $b Balzac, Dickens, Dosztojevszkij
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Amok: Novellen einer Leidenschaft
"Amok: Novellen einer Leidenschaft" by Stefan Zweig is a collection of novellas published in 1922. The title story follows a German doctor in the Dutch East Indies who becomes dangerously obsessed after a wealthy woman requests his help with an unwanted pregnancy. When he demands sexual relations in exchange for the procedure, she refuses in disgust. His obsession spirals into a reckless pursuit that mirrors "amok"—the murderous frenzy that seizes certain individuals, compelling them to run wildly and destroy everything in their path.
Paul Verlaine
"Paul Verlaine" by Stefan Zweig is a biography written in the early 20th century that delves into the life and works of the French poet Paul Verlaine. The book offers an insightful exploration of Verlaine’s turbulent existence, his emotional struggles, and the profound impact of his poetry, highlighting the themes of yearning, vulnerability, and the duality of his essence as both a passionate artist and a troubled individual. In this biography, Zweig presents Verlaine as a complex figure marked by a constant battle between his artistic sensibilities and personal demons. The narrative recounts Verlaine's early life, his relationships with influential women, and his tumultuous affair with fellow poet Arthur Rimbaud, which led to violence and imprisonment. As the book unfolds, Zweig illustrates the evolution of Verlaine's work, his personal crises, and his eventual turn toward Catholicism, reflecting a poignant and tragic soul striving to articulate the depths of human emotion through his verses. The biography serves as both a tribute to Verlaine’s lyrical genius and a cautionary tale about the fragility of life, art, and love.
Brennendes Geheimnis: Erzählung
"Brennendes Geheimnis: Erzählung" by Stefan Zweig is a novella published in 1911. On a holiday resort, a baron befriends a twelve-year-old boy named Edgar to get close to his attractive married mother. As the adults draw away from him, the confused child becomes consumed with jealousy and hatred, desperate to understand their secret. Through Edgar's struggle, Zweig explores the painful transition from childhood innocence to adult awareness, capturing the psychological tensions of pre-war Viennese society.
The Burning Secret
"The Burning Secret" by Stefan Zweig is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young baron who, while vacationing in a resort, becomes infatuated with a beautiful woman and her young son, Edgar. The narrative explores themes of desire, childhood innocence, and the complexities of adult relationships, particularly through the contrasting perspectives of the baron and the child. The opening of "The Burning Secret" introduces the baron as he arrives at a mountainous hotel, where he feels discontented by the lack of company or potential romantic interests. His mood changes when he notices a lady and her son, Edgar, who captures his attention. The narrative details the baron's immediate attraction to the woman and his intention to engage with her, while also highlighting Edgar's shy yet eager disposition. As the baron slowly ingratiates himself with the boy, it becomes apparent that the boy's emotional state is deeply intertwined with the actions of the adults around him. The tension begins as Edgar senses a shift in his mother’s attention and potentially the baron's motives, setting the stage for a complex interplay of emotions and hidden secrets.
Tolstoï
"Tolstoï" by Stefan Zweig is a biographical work written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and profound inner struggles of the famed Russian novelist Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, illuminating his spiritual journey, conflicts with nihilism, and quest for meaning amidst the abundance of worldly success. Zweig offers a detailed portrayal of Tolstoy's transformation from a celebrated author to a seeker of truth and morality. The opening of the work sets the stage by comparing Tolstoy's life to that of Job, emphasizing the sudden and profound existential crisis that follows a period of apparent happiness and success. It describes Tolstoy in his later years, where despite his achievements and family life, he becomes plagued by a sense of emptiness and despair as he confronts the concept of non-being—the void behind life. Zweig meticulously illustrates Tolstoy’s emotional turmoil, detailing how this introspection leads him to an intense struggle against the inevitability of death and the search for a deeper understanding of existence, highlighting the complexities within an artist who ultimately sought to convey truth through his work.
Jeremiah: A Drama in Nine Scenes
"Jeremiah: A Drama in Nine Scenes" by Stefan Zweig is a dramatic work written in the early 20th century. This play focuses on the biblical prophet Jeremiah as he grapples with the impending doom facing Jerusalem and his burden as a messenger of God. With themes of prophecy, despair, and the tension between war and peace, the narrative explores the moral and emotional turmoil of its central figure amidst national crisis. The opening of the drama introduces Jeremiah in a state of panic as he perceives ominous visions foretelling the destruction of his city. He experiences a haunting conflict between his duty to deliver God's message and the skepticism of those around him, including his mother, who implores him to seek peace rather than war. The narrative unfolds with vivid dialogue reflecting Jeremiah's anguish and the contrasting perspectives of other characters, laying the groundwork for themes that will resonate throughout the play. We are immediately drawn into a world of heightened emotions and significant stakes as Jeremiah grapples with his calling and the fate of his people, setting a deeply contemplative and dramatic tone for the work.
Jeremias: Eine dramatische Dichtung in neun Bildern
"Jeremias: Eine dramatische Dichtung in neun Bildern" by Stefan Zweig is a dramatic work written in the early 20th century. The play centers on the biblical figure Jeremiah, exploring themes of prophecy, conflict, and the struggle for identity and faith amidst tumultuous circumstances. Through its focus on Jeremiah and his interactions with other characters, the work delves into the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by an individual set against the backdrop of Jerusalem's impending doom. The beginning of the play introduces Jeremiah on the rooftop of his home, experiencing a terrifying vision that foreshadows the destruction of Jerusalem. He is overwhelmed by a sense of urgency and dread, sensing an impending catastrophe that others around him dismiss. As he grapples with his prophetic calling, he is interrupted by his concerned mother, who urges him to focus on building a life and fulfilling his duties as a priest. Their conversation reveals both Jeremiah's turmoil and the societal pressures of his time, setting the stage for the conflict between his prophetic mission and the expectations of those around him. This compelling introduction establishes the dramatic intensity and emotional depth that characterize the unfolding story.
Tolsztoj
"Tolsztoj" by Stefan Zweig is a profound exploration of the life and psyche of the renowned Russian author Leo Tolstoy, written in the early 20th century. The work serves as both a biographical account and an analytical portrait, delving into the spiritual and existential struggles that defined Tolstoy's later life, particularly his confrontation with the concept of nothingness. Zweig paints a picture of Tolstoy not only as a literary giant but as a complex individual grappling with his emotions, his faith, and the meaning of life. The opening of the book introduces Tolstoy at a pivotal moment when he grapples with a deep existential crisis. Zweig discusses how this great writer, who once felt “completely and perfectly happy,” suddenly finds everything devoid of meaning. He depicts Tolstoy's descent into despair and isolation, marked by a haunting realization of the “Nothing” that lies behind worldly achievements and joys. Tolstoy becomes increasingly alienated from his possessions, family, and even from life itself, leading to profound reflections on mortality and the human condition. This sets the stage for a deeper investigation into Tolstoy’s thoughts about life, art, and spirituality that Zweig continues to explore throughout the work.
Die Liebe der Erika Ewald: Novellen
"Die Liebe der Erika Ewald: Novellen" by Stefan Zweig is a collection of novellas published in 1904. The title story follows pianist Erika Ewald, who falls in love with a violin virtuoso during concert rehearsals. Their relationship unfolds through tender moments and emotional hesitations, but when she finally opens herself to deeper feelings, she discovers a devastating betrayal. Faced with heartbreak, Erika confronts impulses of revenge and despair, ultimately choosing a path of solitary resignation shaped by memories of what might have been.
Drei Meister: Balzac, Dickens, Dostojewski
"Drei Meister: Balzac, Dickens, Dostojewski" by Stefan Zweig is a collection of critical essays written in the early 20th century. The work aims to analyze and juxtapose the lives and literary contributions of three monumental novelists of the 19th century, showcasing how their distinct personalities and writing styles complement one another. Focusing on Balzac, Dickens, and Dostoevsky, Zweig delves into their unique realms: the societal observations of Balzac, the domestic realms of Dickens, and the existential explorations of Dostoevsky. The opening of the book sets the stage for these explorations, explaining that the essays are not mere introductions but rather profound insights that require prior knowledge of the authors' works. It begins with Balzac, discussing his birth year and socio-political context, particularly the influence of Napoleon and the societal upheaval during his early life. Zweig describes Balzac as a relentless seeker of a comprehensive understanding of human experience, asserting that his literary ambitions rival that of conquerors, as he sought to map the entirety of French society through his "Comédie humaine." This foundational contemplation raises intriguing questions about Balzac’s intense character and the overarching themes of ambition and existential struggle prominent in his works.