The World of Yesterday

Memoirs of a European

De: Stefan Zweig, Anthea Bell - translator

Narrado por: David Horovitch

Stefan Zweig's memoir, The World of Yesterday, recalls the golden age of prewar Europe - its seeming permanence, its promise and its devastating fall with the onset of two world wars. Zweig's passionate, evocative prose paints a stunning portrait of an era that danced brilliantly on the brink of extinction. It is an unusually humane account of Europe from the closing years of the 19th century through to World War II, seen through the eyes of one of the most famous writers of his era. Zweig's books (novels, biographies, essays) were translated into numerous languages, and he moved in the highest literary circles; he also encountered many leading political and social figures of his day.

The World of Yesterday is a remarkable, totally engrossing history. This translation by the award-winning Anthea Bell captures the spirit of Zweig's writing in arguably his most important work, completed shortly before his tragic death in 1942. It is read with sympathy and understanding by David Horovitch.

©1942 Fischer Verlag. 2011 Anthea Bell (translation) (P)2017 Ukemi Productions Ltd

Reseñas de la Crítica

"One of the greatest memoirs of the twentieth century." (David Hare)
"Zweig's celebration of the brotherhood of peoples reminds us that there is another way." ( The Nation)

Amazing.

I can't find words to describe it. I will miss the voice of Mr. David Horovitch on my long walking.

Zwieg

“Every shadow is also a child of light” Zwieg writes. I intend to read “Jeremiah” and try to find a copy of “The Silent Woman” by this author. He lived productively in the shadow of terror, horror, destruction and death during WWI and II. He remained passive, even as a Jew, in his desire for peace.

Over too soon

Just like the life of Stefan Zweig this audiobook finished all too soon despite its 17+ hours’ running time. Zweig promises much in his early pages by suggesting that a memoir should only be written if the author has something to say. His narration clips along briskly with never a lull despite a good deal of elaboration and rich detailing. He does indeed have a great deal to say from his encounters and friendships with many of Europe’s preeminent artists, dramatists and academics to his documentation observations on historical events. David Horovitch’s narration wonderfully captures the gravitas of the author whilst conveying his passion and increasing despair towards the end of the work.

A classic

An excellent reading of one of the more beautiful, humane books you’ll ever pick up

Good but not as insightful as I’d hoped

I’d hoped it’d be psychologically insightful into the human condition like a Thomas Mann, Herman Hesse, Robert Musil or James Joyce.

It’s ok for the average reader as it shows the end of the Austrian monarchy (and Old Europe) pre WW1 from a 1st person account of an intellectual.