The World of Yesterday

Memoirs of a European

De: Stefan Zweig

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.(P)2017 Ukemi Productions Ltd

A beautifully rendered account of pre/post Europe

I read a short story of Stefan Zweig in German in college. I was floored by the beauty of the language, the superb phrasing. It gave me a new respect of translators who have a thankless job trying to match the beauty of their native language into English. So before listening to this book, I felt I already found an intimacy with Stefan. This book did not disappoint. He brings the world of Europe into close contact. His friends and acquaintances become breathing individuals. You enter a world of yesteryear. He helps you understand a time you only vaguely knew.

A most read - especially in our times

A most read !!!!!
Superb writer.
We must never stop trying to learn from history.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana

An astonishing, illuminating book!

How did the optimistic faith in culture, progress, & reason in 1900 blind & betray an entire generation of European artists? How did a myopic, partisan & nationalist press promote the Great War? What did it feel like to be a pacifist during an era of casual cruelty & manufactured consensus for mass murder? How did violent bigots take over Vienna, once a cosmopolitan center of music & books? Zweig tells the odd, fascinating story in dozens of small, poignant stories from his life & conversations. It's an astonishing, illuminating book that explains the dangers of political fanaticism & nationalist ideologies in vivid details.

Slow Start But Fascinating

The book is a charming look at pre WW2 Europe and the world that it was. There are some parts that get boring when naming all the artists he knew and met but the rest gives an incredible glimpse into what it was like to live during that time. I would give it 4.5* but since that's not an option I think it's closer to 4.

Amazing.

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