Neumann Walter

Robert Neumann (1897–1975) was a German-Austrian writer whose career spanned novels, plays, radio plays, and scripts. He gained significant recognition in the 1920s for his parodies, particularly "Mit fremden Federn" (1927), which established him as a freelance writer and is considered foundational to parody as a critical literary genre. Despite his success, his work was targeted by the Nazis, leading him to exile in Britain in 1934. During his time in exile, he continued to write, publish in English, and actively supported other exiled writers. Neumann's later career involved extensive literary criticism and political commentary, often with a satirical edge, and he held prominent positions within the PEN International organization. He died by suicide in 1975.

Born in Vienna, Robert Neumann initially studied medicine, chemistry, and German literature. After experiencing financial difficulties and working various jobs, he found literary success with his 1927 parody collection, "Mit fremden Federn." This work, praised by Thomas Mann, was instrumental in establishing parody as a significant critical genre in 1920s literature. Neumann's subsequent publications, including novels and plays, cemented his reputation. However, the immense popularity of his parodies often overshadowed his other literary output, a phenomenon noted by critics later in his life.

Neumann's works were among those burned by the Nazis in 1933, and he fled Vienna for Britain in 1934. He became a notable figure among exiled writers, managing to publish in England and contributing to film scripts. In London, he co-founded the "Free Austrian P.E.N.-Club" to aid writers threatened by the Nazi regime. He applied for British citizenship and, despite internment as an "enemy alien" in 1940, eventually received it in 1947. During the war, he contributed reviews to the BBC and later helped facilitate the publication of translations of German exile writers.

Following World War II, Neumann lived in England before moving to Switzerland. He remained active in the PEN International organization, serving as Honorary President of the Austrian PEN Club and Vice President of International PEN. Neumann was known for his outspoken political stances, including a notable speech against the "Cold War" climate within PEN, which drew criticism. He also engaged in sharp polemics against literary groups and figures, advocating for a reorientation of PEN. His final decades were marked by continued writing as a novelist and political journalist, contributing to prominent publications and broadcasters.