Famous Austrian Novelists

Franz Kafka was a German-language novelist and writer from Prague, widely regarded as a major figure of 20th-century literature. Trained as a lawyer, he worked full-time for an insurance company, relegating writing to spare time. Kafka was a prolific writer, spending most of his free time writing, often late at night. Despite struggling with self-doubt, he produced a significant body of work. Much of his writing remained unpublished during his lifetime, but after his death, his works gained fame and influenced literature worldwide.

Rainer Maria Rilke was an Austrian poet and novelist known for his idiosyncratic and expressive style, making him a significant figure in German literature. His work is recognized for its mystical undertones and exploration of subjective experiences. Rilke traveled extensively throughout Europe, drawing inspiration from Switzerland for many of his poems. He also wrote in French and gained popularity among English-language readers for works such as Duino Elegies, Sonnets to Orpheus, The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge, and Letters to a Young Poet. His writings have been widely quoted in various media forms.

Stefan Zweig was an Austrian writer known for his prolific literary output during the 1920s and 1930s. He gained international acclaim for his works, which included historical studies of famous literary figures and decisive historical events. Zweig's best-known fiction encompassed a range of genres, from psychological novels to short stories. Amid the political turmoil in Europe, he emigrated to England, then to the United States and finally settled in Brazil. Zweig's final years were marked by disillusionment with the future of Europe, culminating in his tragic death in 1942.

Peter Handke is a prominent Austrian novelist, playwright, translator, poet, film director, and screenwriter. He gained recognition in the late 1960s as a member of the avant-garde with plays like Offending the Audience and Kaspar. Known for his ultra-objective narrative style, his notable novels include The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick and The Left-Handed Woman. He explores themes such as the deadening effects of ordinary language and everyday reality. Handke collaborated with director Wim Wenders and won the Georg Büchner Prize in 1973. His career has been marked by controversy due to his support of Serbian nationalism during the Yugoslav Wars.

Bertha von Suttner was an Austrian novelist and pacifist, known for her advocacy for peace and disarmament. She gained international recognition for her work in promoting peace, culminating in becoming the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905. Von Suttner's writings on the horrors of war and the importance of peaceful conflict resolution had a profound impact on the peace movement. Her contributions to the field of peace activism and literature continue to inspire generations to strive for a more peaceful world.

Arthur Schnitzler was an Austrian author and dramatist renowned for his contributions to Viennese Modernism. His works, characterized by psychological depth, prominently examined the intricacies of turn-of-the-century Viennese bourgeois society. Schnitzler's writing style was marked by sharp observation and a keen awareness of stylistic nuances, establishing him as a perceptive chronicler of Viennese life in the early 1900s. Through his plays and narratives, Schnitzler delved into the complexities of human relationships and societal norms, leaving a lasting impact on Austrian literature.

Elfriede Jelinek is an Austrian playwright and novelist known for her significant contributions to German literature. She has been widely recognized for her unique style characterized by a musical flow of voices and counter-voices that challenge societal norms and clichés. In 2004, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for her exceptional linguistic skill in revealing the absurdity of societal conventions. Jelinek is esteemed as one of the most important contemporary playwrights in the German language, showcasing a profound understanding of human behavior and social structures.

Leopold von Sacher-Masoch was an Austrian nobleman, writer, and journalist known for his romantic stories of Galician life. He gained fame for his literary works, particularly for pioneering the concept of masochism, which was named after him by Richard von Krafft-Ebing. Sacher-Masoch was recognized as a man of letters, advocating for socialist and humanist ideals in his writings. Despite his prominence in literature, many of his works have yet to be translated into English.

Felix Salten was an Austro-Hungarian author and literary critic based in Vienna. He is best known for his work "Bambi, a Life in the Woods," which was later adapted into an animated feature film by Walt Disney Productions in 1942. Salten's writing style and critical analysis garnered him recognition in the literary world. Through his works, he explored themes of nature, wildlife, and the human experience, leaving a lasting impact on readers and viewers alike with his poignant storytelling and unique perspectives.

Guido von List was an Austrian occultist, journalist, playwright, and novelist who founded the modern Pagan new religious movement of Wotanism. He was a journalist, focusing on articles about Austrian countryside and nationalism. List authored novels and plays set in the German tribes of the Iron Age. He co-founded a literary society and was involved in Austria's Pan-German nationalist movement. List expanded his beliefs to include Runology and the Armanen Futharkh, leading to the establishment of the List Society and the High Armanen Order.

Franz Werfel was a prolific Austrian-Bohemian novelist, playwright, and poet known for his works during the turbulent periods of World War I, the Interwar period, and World War II. His notable works include "The Forty Days of Musa Dagh," a novel based on the Armenian genocide, and "The Song of Bernadette," which explores the life of the French Catholic saint Bernadette Soubirous. Werfel's literary career was marked by a deep exploration of historical events and religious themes, showcasing his versatile writing talent.

Robert Musil was an Austrian philosophical writer known for his influential modernist novel, The Man Without Qualities. He began his career as a civil servant before transitioning to full-time writing. Musil's works often explored complex themes of identity, society, and human nature. He was a prominent figure in the intellectual circles of his time, engaging with philosophical ideas and literary theories. Despite facing challenges with the publication and completion of his major work, Musil's contributions to literature continue to be highly regarded and studied today.

Joseph Roth was an Austrian-Jewish journalist and novelist known for his impactful works such as the family saga Radetzky March, the novel Job, and the seminal essay "Juden auf Wanderschaft" (The Wandering Jews). His writings captured the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Jewish life, and the Jewish migrations from eastern to western Europe post-World War I and the Russian Revolution. In the 21st century, English publications of his works led to a renewed interest in Roth's literary contributions and journalistic insights from Berlin and Paris.

Daniel Kehlmann is a highly acclaimed German-language novelist and playwright of both Austrian and German nationality. His novel "Measuring the World" is the best-selling book in the German language since 1985. He has achieved great success with all his subsequent novels reaching the number one spot on Germany's bestseller list and being translated into English. Kehlmann has also collaborated with notable authors like Jonathan Franzen. His works have been adapted into various forms including movies and TV series, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and influential figure in contemporary literature.

Ödön von Horváth was an acclaimed Austro-Hungarian playwright and novelist who wrote primarily in German. Known for his socially poignant and romantic plays, he achieved critical acclaim for works such as Revolte auf Côte 3018, Sladek, and Der Jüngste Tag. His novels, including Der ewige Spießer, Ein Kind unserer Zeit, and Jugend ohne Gott, also garnered praise. Von Horváth's untimely death cut short a successful career marked by a series of theatrical and literary successes that solidified his reputation as a prominent writer of his generation.

Hugo von Hofmannsthal was a versatile and prolific Austrian writer known for his contributions to various literary forms. He excelled as a novelist, librettist, poet, dramatist, narrator, and essayist. His works demonstrated a deep understanding of human emotions and psychological complexities, exploring themes of identity, society, and the human experience. Von Hofmannsthal's writing style was characterized by its rich symbolism, evocative language, and profound insights. He left a lasting impact on German literature and the cultural landscape of his time.

Gustav Meyrink, born Gustav Meyer, was a multi-talented Austrian author and banker known for his contributions to literature. He gained fame primarily for his novel "The Golem" and was esteemed as a leading figure in German language supernatural fiction. Meyrink's professional endeavors encompassed various roles such as novelist, dramatist, translator, and banker. His work in the field of supernatural fiction earned him a reputation as one of the most respected writers in the genre, solidifying his legacy in the realm of literature.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach was an Austrian writer known for her psychological novels that explored human nature and relationships. She gained recognition as one of the most significant German-language writers in the latter part of the 19th century. Her literary works delved into complex themes with depth and insight, earning her widespread acclaim for her storytelling and keen observations of society. Through her impactful writings, she left a lasting legacy in the literary world and continues to be celebrated for her contributions to literature.

Ilse Aichinger was an esteemed Austrian writer recognized for her poignant works that shed light on her persecution by the Nazis due to her Jewish background. She was renowned for her poetry, short stories, and radio plays, which often delved into themes of identity, trauma, and resilience. Aichinger's literary prowess earned her numerous prestigious European awards, solidifying her reputation as a significant voice in post-war literature. Her compelling narratives continue to resonate with readers, offering profound insights into the human experience.

Thomas Bernhard was a prominent Austrian novelist, playwright, poet, and polemicist known for his pessimistic and critical exploration of themes like death, isolation, and illness in post-war Austrian and European culture. He developed a unique prose style characterized by multiple perspectives, idiosyncratic vocabulary, and long monologues. His works, such as "Correction" and "Extinction," established him as a leading figure in German literature. Bernhard's public critiques of his homeland's cultural issues sparked controversy, earning him a reputation as a troublemaker.

Friedrich von Hügel was an influential Austrian Catholic layman, religious writer, and Christian apologist. He was known for his rejection of the Modernist theory of belief, despite being associated with Modernists like Alfred Loisy and George Tyrrell. Von Hügel's professional life was marked by his contributions to Catholic theology and his defense of Christian faith. He engaged in intellectual debates and discussions around religious matters, leaving a lasting impact on Christian apologetics and religious thought during his time.

Heimito von Doderer was an Austrian writer known for his notable contributions to literature. Over the course of his career, he gained recognition for his insightful storytelling and intricate narratives. Von Doderer's works often explored complex themes and human relationships, showcasing his deep understanding of the human condition. His writing style was characterized by its depth, richness, and attention to detail, earning him a reputation as a masterful storyteller. Von Doderer's literary legacy continues to influence and inspire readers and writers around the world.

Fritz Mauthner was an Austrian philosopher known for his works in novels, satires, reviews, and journalism. He was a proponent of philosophical skepticism, particularly focused on critiquing human knowledge and the philosophy of language. Mauthner served as the editor of the Berliner Tageblatt and gained recognition for his influential work "Beiträge zu einer Kritik der Sprache" (Contributions to a Critique of Language), published in three parts between 1901 and 1902. His ideas also influenced Ludwig Wittgenstein, who referenced him in his renowned work "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus."

Johannes Mario Simmel was an Austrian writer who began his career as a chemical engineer before transitioning to writing and journalism. He worked as a translator for the American military government after World War II and later became a reporter for Munich illustrated Quick. Simmel wrote screenplays and novels that achieved widespread popularity, with many of his works adapted into successful films. His writing often focused on themes of pacifism and the complexities of moral judgment, drawing on potentially autobiographical elements for inspiration. Simmel's professional achievements were recognized with various awards, including the Award of Excellence from the Society of Writers of the UN.

Adalbert Stifter was a versatile Bohemian-Austrian writer, poet, painter, and pedagogue known for his vivid depictions of natural landscapes in his works. His professional life was characterized by a deep connection to the German-speaking world, where he gained popularity for his literary contributions. Despite his significant impact on German literature, he remained relatively unknown to English readers. Stifter's work continues to be celebrated for its rich and detailed portrayals of nature, reflecting his passion for the environment and artistic expression.

Vicki Baum was an Austrian writer renowned for her novel Menschen im Hotel, later published in English as Grand Hotel. This work marked one of her initial international triumphs, inspiring a 1932 film adaptation and a 1989 Broadway musical. Baum's literary career was characterized by a focus on human interactions and emotions, with her works often portraying the complexities of relationships within various societal settings. Her ability to capture the essence of characters and settings made her a celebrated figure in the world of literature.

Alexander Lernet-Holenia was a versatile Austrian writer with a diverse literary output. Throughout his career, he excelled in various genres such as poetry, novels, dramaturgy, screenplays, and historical studies. Known for his psychological novels that explore the intersection of the supernatural with reality, he also delved into creating recreational films. With Vienna as his backdrop, Lernet-Holenia's professional life was marked by a commitment to producing a wide range of works that captivated audiences and showcased his talent for storytelling across different mediums.

Robert Hamerling was an Austrian poet known for his works that combined lyricism with philosophical ideas. He held various teaching positions before focusing on his writing career. Hamerling gained recognition for his epic poem "Homunculus," which explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality. He was considered a prominent figure in Austrian literature and was associated with the Young Vienna literary group. Throughout his career, Hamerling continued to produce poetry and prose that reflected his deep introspection and intellectual pursuits.

Ludwig Anzengruber's professional journey saw him transition from a bookstore employee to a versatile artist. Starting as an actor after dropping out of school, he later delved into writing, where he achieved significant success. Anzengruber is best known for his acclaimed plays, notably The Pastor of Kirchfeld, which garnered widespread admiration during his time. His talent and dedication allowed him to make a mark in the literary and theatrical world, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the cultural landscape of his era.

Gregor von Rezzori was a multi-talented individual who explored various fields including mining, medicine, and architecture before ultimately graduating in arts. He excelled as a journalist, showcasing his fluency in multiple languages. Known for his versatility, Rezzori gained recognition for his works ranging from light novels to more profound pieces like "Memoirs of an Anti-Semite." His professional journey was marked by a commitment to artistic expression and a willingness to tackle complex themes with depth and sensitivity, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.

Karl Schönherr was a prominent Austrian writer known for his focus on Austrian Heimat themes in his works. He was a prolific playwright, novelist, and poet, contributing significantly to Austrian literature. Schönherr's writing often depicted rural life, nature, and the struggles of the common people, reflecting the cultural and social landscape of Austria during his time. His works were characterized by a deep connection to the Austrian countryside and a keen observation of human nature, earning him recognition as a leading figure in Austrian literature.

Karl Emil Franzos was a renowned Austrian novelist of the late 19th century, focusing on the multi-ethnic regions of Galicia, Podolia, and Bukovina, now part of western Ukraine. His works, blending reportage and fiction, highlighted the intersection of the Habsburg and Russian empires. This geographic area became synonymous with his name, earning the moniker "Franzos country." Noteworthy for his English-translated books, Franzos garnered admiration from influential figures like Gladstone, solidifying his reputation as a prolific and respected literary figure of his time.