Balzac - Román jeho života – Zweig Stefan (2020)

The biographical novel that Zweig worked on for more than the last ten years of his life was meant to be his magnum opus. He did not manage to finish the work according to his vision, but in a complete form, it was published in 1946 by Zweig's friend, writer Richard Friedenthal. It turned out to be indeed Zweig's pivotal work, as his Balzac monograph has the parameters of a great novel. Zweig portrays Balzac with psychological conviction, often in remarkable contrasts, ambiguously and sometimes not entirely flattering. He has an understanding especially for his creative genius, immense will, and diligence, but he also sees many human weaknesses, sometimes ridiculous or curious. He demonstrates that he is a great connoisseur of Balzac's extensive literary work. Zweig's highly impressive depiction, his often masterful formulations, and penetrating metaphors make reading the biography an extraordinary experience. It is evident that Zweig invested a great deal of study, energy, empathy, and the best of his talent into his work. Anyone who reads this impressive biography, this profound artistic work, will be touched by it. The work is being published in Czech after nearly forty-five years as a supplement to a new selection of the best of Balzac's work within the edition WORLD…