Lion Feuchtwanger

Date of Birth: July 7, 1884

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 21, 1958

Biography

Lion Feuchtwanger was a prominent German-Jewish novelist and playwright, born on July 7, 1884, in Munich, Germany. He is best known for his historical novels, which often explore themes of social justice, human rights, and the abuses of power. Feuchtwanger studied literature and philosophy at the universities of Munich and Berlin. Early in his career, he was involved in the literary scene of his native Munich, where he founded a cultural magazine, “Der Spiegel” (not related to the current German news magazine). Feuchtwanger’s works often critiqued the rise of fascism and the socio-political climate of his time. His most famous works include “Jud Süß” (1925), “The Ugly Duchess” (1923), and the trilogy “Josephus” which includes “Josephus” (1932), “The Jew of Rome” (1935), and “The Day Will Come” (1942). His writing earned him international acclaim, but also the ire of the Nazi regime, which led to the banning and burning of his books. With the rise of Adolf Hitler, Feuchtwanger fled to France and then, as the Nazis occupied France, to the United States in 1940. He settled in Los Angeles, California, where he continued to write and became a part of the émigré community. He passed away on December 21, 1958, in Los Angeles.

5 Interesting Facts about Lion Feuchtwanger

1. Lion Feuchtwanger was a vocal critic of the Nazi regime, which led to his books being banned and burned in Germany.

2. He was one of the first German authors to accurately predict the devastation that Hitler would bring to Europe.

3. Feuchtwanger’s novel “Jud Süß” was adapted into a controversial Nazi propaganda film, which he vehemently opposed.

4. He was arrested in France during World War II but managed to escape to the United States with the help of his wife and friends.

5. Feuchtwanger was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lion Feuchtwanger

1. “Books and ideas are the most effective weapons against intolerance and ignorance.”

2. “The power of the press is a mighty sword.”

3. “In literature, as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others.”

4. “History is a great teacher, but unfortunately, it kills all its pupils.”

5. “Art must be an integral part of life, or it is useless.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Lion Feuchtwanger’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a considerable sum for an author in the mid-20th century.