Zweig's name is no longer recognized as a major writer now, although he was the most translated author during his heyday. He was friends with some of the most well-known names of culture and intelligentsia: Rilke, Freud, Richard Strauss, Maksim Gorky and the list goes on. He penned a wide variety of works from biographical studies to novellas and operas. World of Yesterday, however, is his memoir, published after his suicide of 1942.
I was initially attracted to this book because of my current interest in turn-of-the-century Vienna; although I had heard of Zweig's name, and even read chapters of his large biographical work, Master Builders.
However, after reading WoY, new doors of inquiry have opened in my mind. I started to see Vienna in a pivotal historical moment, inhabiting a crossroads where decisions were made (not only my politicians, but by ordinary people who chose to turn their heads) that affected history's course, but also the face of Europe. Zweig lived during an incredibly divergent time. (Perhaps one can make the argument that all times are like this) Not only was culture brimming with prospects, but ideas were spilling forth and co-mingling within literature, music, visual arts and theory. Zweig traveled back and forth across Europe- writing, thinking and meeting other great artists. He writes of a moment he was privileged to witness the creative fire in Rodin. He speaks fondly of his encounters with Rilke- a gentle, sensitive man. And he gives a picture of Europe before it turn the corner into the two great wars. He expresses his disappointment of Europe's change after WWI- and the horrors which befell Vienna right before WWII.
This is an amazing read- and after reading it I became more fascinated by this man who lived through all experiences- in fact on Sat.- I went a bought a few more books on him!
I also saw a connection between what happened in Vienna and what could possibly happen here in the US- it is a warning. Although this memoir greatly informs, there is a strange elusive quality to Zweig. He does not really let you in, for example, as you are reading- all of a sudden, there is a wife! Who is this wife? What is her name? How did they meet? This he never tells you- nor does he tell you that this marriage ends and as he is about to leave England for Brazil, he gets married to another woman. Nor does he reveal what internal processes he undergoes, nor does he reveal some insight of why he has become the person he is. No matter- I guess one can read other biographies on Zweig to get these answers (there is one penned by his first wife, Frederika).
Nevertheless, it is a highly recommended read- perhaps the best book I've read so far this
year- links for more info:
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/szweig.htm
http://www.bookforum.com/archive/apr_06/cohen.html
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/19133
