Austrian writer Stefan Zweig's final work, posted to his publisher the day before his tragic death, brings the destruction of a war-torn Europe vividly to life. Written as both a recollection of the past and a warning for future generations, The World of Yesterday recalls the golden age of literary Vienna; its seeming permanence, its promise, and its devastating fall. A truthful and passionate account of the horror that tore apart European culture, The World of Yesterday gives us insight into the history of a world brutally destroyed, written by a master at the height of his genius.

"A marvellous recapturing of a Europe that Hitler and his thugs destroyed. Zweig seems to have known everyone, and writes about the great figures of his day with insight, sympathy and, most unusually for a writer, modesty" - John Banville

"Unnervingly topical" - The Week

"This is a wonderful book of a lifetime" - Irish Times

"I can't recommend it highly enough" - Four Thought

"Zweig's memoir speaks an important message to us today about how quickly war can erupt and change our lives for good. It also demonstrates how unprepared most people were, ignoring all the signs. Zweig was one of the best known authors in Europe at his time, an excellent observer and writer" - EUobserver

"Zweig's celebration of the brotherhood of peoples reminds us that there is another way" - The Nation

"One of liberalism's greatest defenders" - New Republic