Karl Kraus: The Leading Advocate of Vienna Satire

Who is Karl Kraus?

Karl Kraus is a famous Austrian writer, journalist, and satirist. He is considered a prominent figure in German-language literature and media criticism. Kraus made his mark through his sharp wit and perceptive observations on society and culture.

Kraus's Early Life and Education

Karl Kraus was born in 1874 in Jicin, a town in Bohemia, which was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He grew up in a German-speaking Jewish family. Kraus attended the University of Vienna, where he studied law, but later abandoned the pursuit to focus on his literary interests.

Kraus's Literary Career

Kraus began his writing career as a theater critic. He published his first collection of essays, "Die demolierte Literatur" (The Demolished Literature), in 1897. Kraus established himself as a prominent literary critic and essayist with his sharp wit and incisive analysis.

Kraus's Major Works

"Die Fackel" (The Torch), founded in 1899, was a weekly satirical magazine published by Kraus. It became a significant platform for Kraus's social and political commentary. Through "Die Fackel," Kraus exposed many scandals and criticized the hypocrisy and corruption of the Austrian society.

The Last Days of Mankind (1918-1922): A play that satirizes the First World War and its aftermath.

Nachts (1919): A collection of aphorisms and reflections on life and society.

Karl Kraus