Rudolf Kayser

Rudolf Kayser was a prominent German literary historian whose career spanned the tumultuous early 20th century. Born in Parchim, he pursued literature at university, culminating in a doctoral thesis focused on the works of Arnim and Brentano. Kayser's literary journey began in earnest in 1918 with his essay 'The Intellectuals and the Spiritual,' which showcased his engagement with contemporary thought. His editorial prowess flourished at S. Fischer Verlag and later at the Neue Rundschau, where he served as senior editor from 1922 to 1933. During this period, he also worked as a dramaturgical advisor at the Volksbühne Berlin under Erwin Piscator, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene of the Weimar Republic. In addition to his editorial work, Kayser authored a biography of his father-in-law, Albert Einstein, under the pseudonym Anton Reiser in 1930. His personal life intertwined with his professional pursuits, as he was married to Ilse, Einstein's stepdaughter, until her untimely death in 1934. Following the rise of the Nazi regime, Kayser emigrated to the United States in 1935, where he continued his academic career as a professor of German and European literature at Brandeis University. His contributions to literary scholarship and his unique perspective on the interplay between literature and politics solidified his legacy as a significant figure in 20th-century literary history.