Drei Meister: Balzac, Dickens, Dostojewski

A collection of critical essays written in the early 20th century. The work aims to analyze and juxtapose the lives and literary contributions of three monumental novelists of the 19th century, showcasing how their distinct personalities and writing styles complement one another. Focusing on Balzac, Dickens, and Dostoevsky, Zweig delves into their unique realms: the societal observations of Balzac, the domestic realms of Dickens, and the existential explorations of Dostoevsky. The opening of the book sets the stage for these explorations, explaining that the essays are not mere introductions but rather profound insights that require prior knowledge of the authors' works. It begins with Balzac, discussing his birth year and socio-political context, particularly the influence of Napoleon and the societal upheaval during his early life. Zweig describes Balzac as a relentless seeker of a comprehensive understanding of human experience, asserting that his literary ambitions rival that of conquerors, as he sought to map the entirety of French society through his ''Comédie humaine.'' This foundational contemplation raises intriguing questions about Balzac’s intense character and the overarching themes of ambition and existential struggle prominent in his works.