Hugo von Hofmannsthal belongs to the literary record as a writer whose work outlasted the moment that produced it.
The record lists Hugo von Hofmannsthal as Austrian novelist, librettist, poet, dramatist (1874–1929).
Hugo von Hofmannsthal was born at Vienna in 1874. His recorded nationality is Cisleithania. He was educated at University of Vienna and Akademisches Gymnasium.
Around the turn of the twentieth century, literary form itself came under argument, and the certainties of the realist novel were dismantled.
He worked as novelist, librettist and poet.
The writing is recorded in German.
Among his best-known works are Jedermann, Der Rosenkavalier and Elektra. Literature is judged by re-reading, which is a slower and harsher test than acclaim.
That the work was written from Cisleithania matters: language, censorship and the reach of a publishing industry decide which books travel and which stay local.
Hugo von Hofmannsthal died in 1929, aged 55. The books remain, which is the only durable form a writing life takes.
Achievements
- Notable work: Jedermann
- Notable work: Der Rosenkavalier
- Notable work: Elektra
