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The World of Yesterday

Memoirs of a European

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The World of Yesterday

By: Stefan Zweig, Anthea Bell - translator
Narrated by: David Horovitch
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About this listen

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 Art & Literature Authors Classics Memoir War Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Soviet Union Imperialism Italy Socialism

Critic reviews

"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)
All stars
Most relevant
listened to it twice. a must read for every one. l could not recommend it highly enough

great, revealing book

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Great story on the early 20th century with fantastic narration provided by the narrator.

Fantastic Narration

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A wonderful insight into the dramatic and tumultuous period of 1880-1940 from a European and humanitarian perspective. It is a prescient account of the dangers we are again facing from dictators, zealots and “strong men” - to the detriment of all people who wish to live a peaceful and compassionate existence. A terrifying historical account of how life can simply fall apart when bad actors are in control. Very relevant to our current world.

Hugely thought provoking

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A moving and fascinating account of life through war time. I felt compelled to leave this review because the book gives a great insight into the life of a warm, intelligent man who you begin to feel like you know personally over the course of listening. His stoic and noble attitude in the face of the horrors and humiliation forced on him by war feels perhaps even more poignant today.

Essential reading - highly recommended

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I knew nothing about Zweig when I started listening to it (didn't even know he was a writer). the book was really enjoyable and felt really relevant at times as we stand an the edge of WWIII.

Really enjoyable.

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