A way of interrogating the world. Notes for a geographical reading of Stefan Zweig

Abstract

We undertake a geographical interpretation of the life and work of the Austrian writer Stefan Zweig (Vienna, 1881–Petrópolis, Brazil, 1942). We examine the general scope of his work and focus, above all, on his importance as a chronicler, biographer and essayist of themes and authors with a strong geographical and historical association. We pay specific attention to his reflections on Europe between the wars, and draw analogies between his attitude as a chronicler and the attitudes of other contemporary authors who have taken up a similar role. By way of conclusion, we examine the extent to which his point of view as a writer and intellectual and his “gaze on the world” may be considered a valid reference when transposed to the reality and problems of the present day.

Keywords: Stefan Zweig, Europe, geographical description, memories, interaction Literature/Geography.