Arthur Schnitzler Books

Mother and son.--The man of honour.--A confirmed bachelor.--The spring sonata.

When Else's father is threatened with debtor's prison, the only way out is for her to accommodate an elderly acquaintance in order to borrow money from him. This decision forces her into the reality of a world entirely at odds with her romantic imagination--with terrible consequences.

This is a unique collection of seven of Schnitzler's best known plays in a new English translation. They explore love, sexuality, and death in various guises, against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century Viennese decadence. The introduction explores the plays in relation to Schnitzler's life, to the culture of late twentieth-century Vienna, and to Modernism in general.

Eduard Saxberger, an ageing civil servant, has given up on his dreams of literary fame after his sole collection of youthful poetry failed to launch a successful career. Resigned to a life of ordinariness, he is unexpectedly approached by a young admirer who reveres his early work. This admirer invites Saxberger to join a group of aspiring writers, known as the 'Enthusiasts', who gather at a grand Vienna coffee house. Initially embarrassed, Saxberger is flattered and intrigued by their admiration, contrasting them with the 'Talentless' patrons at nearby tables. As he becomes part of this vibrant circle, questions arise: Can Saxberger find the inspiration to write again? Will he assist the Enthusiasts in achieving the recognition they crave? Might he discover late love and fame? However, the reality may not be as straightforward as it seems. The author, who trained as a doctor but pursued writing, produced notable plays, novellas, and novels that delve into existential themes like love, relationships, and mortality. His work often faced backlash for addressing taboo subjects, leading to conflicts with authorities. A member of the 'Young Vienna' literary circle, he was friends with influential figures like Stefan Zweig and Sigmund Freud. He passed away in 1931.

Turn-of-the-century Vienna was the scene of tremendous social and artistic upheaval. Arthur Schnitzler's novel The Road to the Open brilliantly captures the complex world of Freud, Mahler, Strauss, and Klimt, dealing masterfully with the basic issues of Austrian anti-Semitism, the Viennese intellectual community, post-Wagnerian music, and the psychology of Vienna's middle class.

While staying with her aunt at a fashionable spa, Else receives an unexpected telegram from her mother, begging her to save her father from debtor's jail. The only way out, it seems, is to approach an elderly acquaintance in order to borrow money from him. Through this telegram, Else is forced into the reality of a world entirely at odds with her romantic imagination - with horrific consequences. Pushkin Collection editions feature a spare, elegant series style and superior, durable components. The Collection is typeset in Monotype Baskerville, litho-printed on Munken Premium White Paper and notch-bound by the independently owned printer TJ International in Padstow. The covers, with French flaps, are printed on Colorplan Pristine White Paper. Both paper and cover board are acid-free and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.

'Her fragrant body and burning red lips' A married couple reveal their darkest sexual fantasies to each other, in this erotic psychodrama of infidelity, transgression and decadence in early twentieth-century Vienna. Ten new titles in the colourful, small-format, portable new Pocket Penguins series

In his fifty-third year, Casanova grapples with the restlessness of approaching old age, contrasting his past adventurous spirit with a deep yearning for his birthplace, Venice. This longing manifests as a metaphorical descent, likened to a wounded bird, as he finds himself increasingly drawn back to the city he once knew. The narrative explores themes of nostalgia and the inevitable passage of time, capturing the tension between his vibrant past and the quieter present.

The book features a new print that utilizes professional typesetting, ensuring clarity and readability, distinguishing it from other editions that may rely on scanned prints. This attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience, making it a superior choice for readers seeking high-quality text presentation.