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The Torch
May 2, 1899
The recently turned 25 year old, Karl Kraus has been publishing his own magazine “Die Fackel” (The Torch) since April.  It is published three times a month.  The son of a paper manufacturer declined a position with the “Neue Freie Presse” (New Free Press) to found his own magazine. The self-assured writer often criticizes his colleagues, thus leaving him with only a few friends.

Farm Boy from the Woods to Poet:
         Peter Rosegger
September 13, 1904
One of the most well-known literature writers and poets of our time is Austrian folkwriter, Peter Rosegger.  Peter Rosegger was born on July 31, 1843 in Alpl, in the county of Krieglach, in Styria. The homeland poet comes from a farming family.  The family lived in terrible poverty.  He was an industrious boy who liked to learn.  His daily way to school, however, was cumbersome and he had to walk many hours to get there.  Readers love his novels and narrations  “the writings of the school masterfrom the woods”, “woods homeland”  and “when I was a farm boy from the woods” as well as his narrations from Styria.

Vienna's Largest Cheapskate

July 5, 1909
Peter Altenberg was born on  March 9, 1859 in Vienna Austria. The writer and storyteller is one of the most frugal Viennese. He knows everyone and often manages to get invited with others footing the bill.  He always returns only late in the night to his room at the Grabenhotel . His room is decorated with many mementos, postcards, letters and photos. His works have originated from the well-known restaurants Löwenbräu, Café central and Cabaret bat. He wants to show people as they really are.

Hugo von Hofmannsthal in search of a New Language
March 25, 1909
Yesterday the first presentation of Richard Strauss’s “Electra” took place at the Royal Opera. Hugo von Hofmannsthal wrote the libretto. Hugo von Hofmannsthal was born on February 1, 1874 in Vienna. In 1891 he published the drama “Yesterday” under the pseudonym “Theophil Morren.” In 1892, Hugo von Hofmannsthal began to study law at the University of Vienna. He is good friends with Arthur Schnitzler. His important works include, :The White Fan,” “Thor and Death” “The Woman in the Window.” In 1898 Hugo von Hofmannsthal became a doctor of philosophy. In 1901 he married Gertrud Schleisinger. Hugo von Hofmannsthal is one of the most important storytellers of our century. The author describes people who despair over language.