Raoul Auernheimer

Raoul Auernheimer Reports on Austrian Writers in 1945 and Lectures in American Exile Na edition

Reports and Lectures presented here illustrate contributions that Raoul Auernheimer (born Vienna 1876-died Oakland, California 1948) made in exile to assist the postwar recovery of Austria. The reports on Austrian writers enabled American authorities (OSS -- Office of Strategic Services) to identify those authors who could be relied upon to help with the revival of Austrian literature to its former prominence. Through his long association with the PEN Club in Vienna along with his position as theater commentator and reviewer for the leading Austrian newspaper, the "Neue Freie Presse," Auernheimer was the logical choice for this task. In the many lectures that he delivered in exile Auernheimer aimed to familiarize Americans with Austrians and Austrian literature, life and culture to differentiate them from the Germans and plead for different treatment for his countrymen after the war. He lectured to widely varied audiences at literary groups, universities and churches as well as to Navy Men in San Francisco and Army troups at Monterey preparing for occupation duty in Austria. His advocacy of European unity and globalization to prevent future wars make these texts as relevant today as when they were written.