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Triumph and Disaster: Five Historical Miniatures
One of two beautifully designed hardback gift editions of Stefan Zweig's breathlessly dramatic historical sketches, out in time for Christmas.A single Yes, a single No, a Too Soon or a Too Late makes that hour irrevocable for hundreds of generations while deciding the life of a single man or woman, of a nation, even the destiny of all humanity.Five vivid dramatizations of some of the most pivotal episodes in human history, from the Fall of Constantinople to Scott's doomed attempt to reach the South Pole, bringing the past to life in brilliant technicolor.Included in this "The Field of Waterloo": A fascinating little known story of Napoleon's defeat."The Race to Reach the South Pole": The failed expedition of the English to discover the South Pole first."The Conquest of Byzantium": Sultan Mahomet's defeat of Byzantium through a neglected door."The Sealed Train": Lenin's triumphant return from exile."Wilson's Failure": The Treaty of Versailles is signed.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2017
5 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Stefan Zweig
2,226 books10.7k followersStefan Zweig was one of the world's most famous writers during the 1920s and 1930s, especially in the U.S., South America, and Europe. He produced novels, plays, biographies, and journalist pieces. Among his most famous works are Beware of Pity, Letter from an Unknown Woman, and Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles. He and his second wife committed suicide in 1942.
Zweig studied in Austria, France, and Germany before settling in Salzburg in 1913. In 1934, driven into exile by the Nazis, he emigrated to England and then, in 1940, to Brazil by way of New York. Finding only growing loneliness and disillusionment in their new surroundings, he and his second wife committed suicide.
Zweig's interest in psychology and the teachings of Sigmund Freud led to his most characteristic work, the subtle portrayal of character. Zweig's essays include studies of Honoré de Balzac, Charles Dickens, and Fyodor Dostoevsky (Drei Meister, 1920; Three Masters) and of Friedrich Hölderlin, Heinrich von Kleist, and Friedrich Nietzsche (Der Kampf mit dem Dämon, 1925; Master Builders). He achieved popularity with Sternstunden der Menschheit (1928; The Tide of Fortune), five historical portraits in miniature. He wrote full-scale, intuitive rather than objective, biographies of the French statesman Joseph Fouché (1929), Mary Stuart (1935), and others. His stories include those in Verwirrung der Gefühle (1925; Conflicts). He also wrote a psychological novel, Ungeduld des Herzens (1938; Beware of Pity), and translated works of Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, and Emile Verhaeren.
Most recently, his works provided the inspiration for 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Zweig studied in Austria, France, and Germany before settling in Salzburg in 1913. In 1934, driven into exile by the Nazis, he emigrated to England and then, in 1940, to Brazil by way of New York. Finding only growing loneliness and disillusionment in their new surroundings, he and his second wife committed suicide.
Zweig's interest in psychology and the teachings of Sigmund Freud led to his most characteristic work, the subtle portrayal of character. Zweig's essays include studies of Honoré de Balzac, Charles Dickens, and Fyodor Dostoevsky (Drei Meister, 1920; Three Masters) and of Friedrich Hölderlin, Heinrich von Kleist, and Friedrich Nietzsche (Der Kampf mit dem Dämon, 1925; Master Builders). He achieved popularity with Sternstunden der Menschheit (1928; The Tide of Fortune), five historical portraits in miniature. He wrote full-scale, intuitive rather than objective, biographies of the French statesman Joseph Fouché (1929), Mary Stuart (1935), and others. His stories include those in Verwirrung der Gefühle (1925; Conflicts). He also wrote a psychological novel, Ungeduld des Herzens (1938; Beware of Pity), and translated works of Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, and Emile Verhaeren.
Most recently, his works provided the inspiration for 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 2, 2023
Great. Although I was a little disappointed with the essay on Lenin.
July 25, 2018
"No artist is an artist throughout the entire twenty-four hours of his normal day; he succeeds in producing all that is essential, all that will last, only in a few, rare moments of inspiration." (7)
"But if artistic geniuses do arise, they will outlast their own time; if such a significant hour in the history of the world occurs, it will decide matters for decades and centuries to come. ... What usually happens at a leisurely pace, in sequence and due order, is concentrated into a single moment that determines and establishes everything: a single Yes, a single No, a Too Soon or a Too Late makes that hour irrevocable for hundreds of generations while deciding the life of a single man or woman, of a nation, even the destiny of all humanity." (8)
"Destiny scornfully rejects the hesitant; another god on earth, with fiery arms it raises only the bold into the heaven of heroes." (34)
"Despots preparing for war speak at length of peace before they are fully armed." (73)
"As the ship sets out from the European coast, the conquered man [Wilson] turns away. He will not let his eyes look back at our unfortunate continent, which has been longing for peace and unity for thousands of years hand has never achieved it. And once again the eternal vision of a humane world recedes into mist and into the distance." (154)
"But if artistic geniuses do arise, they will outlast their own time; if such a significant hour in the history of the world occurs, it will decide matters for decades and centuries to come. ... What usually happens at a leisurely pace, in sequence and due order, is concentrated into a single moment that determines and establishes everything: a single Yes, a single No, a Too Soon or a Too Late makes that hour irrevocable for hundreds of generations while deciding the life of a single man or woman, of a nation, even the destiny of all humanity." (8)
"Destiny scornfully rejects the hesitant; another god on earth, with fiery arms it raises only the bold into the heaven of heroes." (34)
"Despots preparing for war speak at length of peace before they are fully armed." (73)
"As the ship sets out from the European coast, the conquered man [Wilson] turns away. He will not let his eyes look back at our unfortunate continent, which has been longing for peace and unity for thousands of years hand has never achieved it. And once again the eternal vision of a humane world recedes into mist and into the distance." (154)
August 30, 2017
The moment where Napoleon relied on an inept commander, and paid the price… the days, weeks and months by which Scott was too late to the South Pole… something uninteresting about the middle East… the train journey from Lake Geneva to the Finland Station that the Pet Shop Boys so pithily immortalised… the crux on which Woodrow Wilson failed in his attempts to leave a changed world after World War One. This book is brilliant at conveying the importance of these specific moments, flashes of time that changed the world. In short, inherently readable and understandable essays (only bowing to the weight of sarcasm and being wise after the event in the later stages), this author which was new to me really gets his points across very well. It's a great shame this is a cobbled-together greatest hits package, and the real thing should have ten or even twelve such chapters, but that's publishing for you – and this selection of five is still good enough to not be sniffed at.
December 26, 2019
I needed this. I loved all these miniatures. Zweig is so beautifully concise and the way he builds suspense is masterful. "The Race to Reach the South Pole" was my favorite and my least favorite one was "The Sealed Train," but that can be because it was shorter and maybe I wanted more. Very wise stories that reveal so much about what it takes to be a hero in the moments when all becomes disastrous.
August 8, 2022
See also, Genius and Discovery: Five Historical Miniatures, by Stefan Zweig.
Reading these was inspired by two previous reads: Stefan Zweig's A Game of Chess and other stories, and Benjamin Labatut's When We Cease to Understand the World. I really enjoyed Zweig, and so wanted to read more, and his choice of non-fiction topics is intriguing, especially his biographies. With Labatut, I enjoyed the "non-fiction fiction" of his stories of scientist, wherein he presents "fiction based on real events." These works by Zweig are part short story and part essay, described by him as "historical miniatures".
Published in various collections between 1927-1940 in German, and first translated to English in 1940, there are a total of 14 miniatures in the collection called Decisive Moments in History. The two books that I read compile 10 of these under the descriptive titles, and since they originate from a previous single collection (and are each quite short), I have counted them as a single book.
In Triumph and Disaster, we read about Napolean at Waterloo, Scott in Antarctica, the fall of Constantinople, Lenin's return to Russia, and Wilson's efforts to establish world peace following the Great War. Assuming that the stories are factually correct (as best as can be for incidents centuries ago for which documentation is scanty and, as always, written by the winners), it was fascinating to learn about the knife-edge difference between success and failure in these moments. For example, Napolean's defeat might have been averted if General Grouchy had disobeyed orders and followed his instincts. In Constantinople, the months of siege by the Ottomans was eventually undone by someone leaving a gate open. Naturally, for me, the story about Scott was of great interest and created a more sympathetic character than I'm used to considering of him.
These were enjoyable and enlightening books, but I suspect that the translation is less accomplished than the one I read of Chess and Other Stories, or perhaps Zweig's own prose is less engaging in non-fiction than in fiction. There were few clever phrases or wry descriptions, and in a some places the story or language felt repetitive, as if either Zweig had lost his train of thought or the translator ran out of English words and so started to repeat herself. The best bit was in the last story, about Woodrow Wilson's "failure" with the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations:
"A man who makes a concession can never stop. Compromises inevitably lead to more compromises."
If he had just stuck to his principles, where would the world be now?
Overall, these essays/stories were less engaging than the fictional short stories, and did not rise to the quality of the Labatut work. I will likely (eventually) read a biography or two but will look for more of the fiction that seems to be a bit better, or at least better able to withstand translation.
Reading these was inspired by two previous reads: Stefan Zweig's A Game of Chess and other stories, and Benjamin Labatut's When We Cease to Understand the World. I really enjoyed Zweig, and so wanted to read more, and his choice of non-fiction topics is intriguing, especially his biographies. With Labatut, I enjoyed the "non-fiction fiction" of his stories of scientist, wherein he presents "fiction based on real events." These works by Zweig are part short story and part essay, described by him as "historical miniatures".
Published in various collections between 1927-1940 in German, and first translated to English in 1940, there are a total of 14 miniatures in the collection called Decisive Moments in History. The two books that I read compile 10 of these under the descriptive titles, and since they originate from a previous single collection (and are each quite short), I have counted them as a single book.
In Triumph and Disaster, we read about Napolean at Waterloo, Scott in Antarctica, the fall of Constantinople, Lenin's return to Russia, and Wilson's efforts to establish world peace following the Great War. Assuming that the stories are factually correct (as best as can be for incidents centuries ago for which documentation is scanty and, as always, written by the winners), it was fascinating to learn about the knife-edge difference between success and failure in these moments. For example, Napolean's defeat might have been averted if General Grouchy had disobeyed orders and followed his instincts. In Constantinople, the months of siege by the Ottomans was eventually undone by someone leaving a gate open. Naturally, for me, the story about Scott was of great interest and created a more sympathetic character than I'm used to considering of him.
These were enjoyable and enlightening books, but I suspect that the translation is less accomplished than the one I read of Chess and Other Stories, or perhaps Zweig's own prose is less engaging in non-fiction than in fiction. There were few clever phrases or wry descriptions, and in a some places the story or language felt repetitive, as if either Zweig had lost his train of thought or the translator ran out of English words and so started to repeat herself. The best bit was in the last story, about Woodrow Wilson's "failure" with the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations:
"A man who makes a concession can never stop. Compromises inevitably lead to more compromises."
If he had just stuck to his principles, where would the world be now?
Overall, these essays/stories were less engaging than the fictional short stories, and did not rise to the quality of the Labatut work. I will likely (eventually) read a biography or two but will look for more of the fiction that seems to be a bit better, or at least better able to withstand translation.
September 1, 2017
According to the Foreword of Stefan Zweig’s ‘Triumph and Disaster’ his miniature historical essays examine key moments which can be said to have changed the course of History.
The five collected here relate to Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo (1815); Scott’s failure to beat Amundsen to the South Pole (1912); Sultan Mahomet’s defeat of Byzantium (1453); Lenin’s arrival at the Finland Station (1917); and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles (1919), although it’s hard to see what substantial difference it made whether the first flag to fly at the South Pole was Norwegian or British.
Zweig occasionally makes factual errors. He states, for example, that Petrograd changed its name to Petrograd in 1917, when it actually made that change in 1914. He also makes some heroic assumptions, such as that Napoleon would have dominated Europe had he won at Waterloo. He does not always consider all the factors which affected the outcome of events. Moreover, he is not entirely free from the charge of indulging in purple prose (“night always beguiles the senses with fantasy, confusing hope with the sweet poison of dreams”).
However, one should be prepared to overlook all these faults because his vignettes really bring events, and especially their historical characters, vividly to life, and because at his best he writes magnificently (“They move through the icy [Antarctic] air as it drinks human breath for the first time in millennia”).
In short, if one reads this book as a contribution to belles-lettres rather than to historical scholarship, it makes a superb, albeit slim, volume.
The five collected here relate to Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo (1815); Scott’s failure to beat Amundsen to the South Pole (1912); Sultan Mahomet’s defeat of Byzantium (1453); Lenin’s arrival at the Finland Station (1917); and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles (1919), although it’s hard to see what substantial difference it made whether the first flag to fly at the South Pole was Norwegian or British.
Zweig occasionally makes factual errors. He states, for example, that Petrograd changed its name to Petrograd in 1917, when it actually made that change in 1914. He also makes some heroic assumptions, such as that Napoleon would have dominated Europe had he won at Waterloo. He does not always consider all the factors which affected the outcome of events. Moreover, he is not entirely free from the charge of indulging in purple prose (“night always beguiles the senses with fantasy, confusing hope with the sweet poison of dreams”).
However, one should be prepared to overlook all these faults because his vignettes really bring events, and especially their historical characters, vividly to life, and because at his best he writes magnificently (“They move through the icy [Antarctic] air as it drinks human breath for the first time in millennia”).
In short, if one reads this book as a contribution to belles-lettres rather than to historical scholarship, it makes a superb, albeit slim, volume.
October 14, 2021
"Chance success and easy achievement kindle only ambition, but the heart rises in response to a human being's fight against an invincibly superior power of fate, the greatest of all tragedies, and one that sometimes inspires poets and shapes life a thousand times over."
WHHHEEEEWWWWWWW! Every single paragraph, every single word, every single punctuation mark even, had obviously been very carefully selected and treasured in this book. What a brilliant writing style - most of the tales were ones I normally wouldn't be interested in reading, but the author did such a beautiful job at making them engaging and exciting to read!
Thoroughly enjoyed this! Sincerely can't wait to reread it!
WHHHEEEEWWWWWWW! Every single paragraph, every single word, every single punctuation mark even, had obviously been very carefully selected and treasured in this book. What a brilliant writing style - most of the tales were ones I normally wouldn't be interested in reading, but the author did such a beautiful job at making them engaging and exciting to read!
Thoroughly enjoyed this! Sincerely can't wait to reread it!
February 15, 2026
omg this guy has such a good understanding of pacing and drama, it’s kind of crazy. I feel I am always searching for these kinds of books when I read nonfiction, where you get a sense for the personality and emotions of the people involved throughout such that you can understand the choices made and how it ultimately changes history. Wish it was longer.
June 1, 2021
Gorgeous little book of miniature histories, turning points for the world, or at least, Europe. Zweig brings the same freshness and gripping style to his histories as his novellas.
I lost this book four-fifths of the way through, lost it and found it again and loved it.
I lost this book four-fifths of the way through, lost it and found it again and loved it.
December 26, 2017
This small hardback collection of five "historical miniatures" is as handsome in its aesthetics as the essays are compelling and concise. A perfect gift for any reader of non-fiction.
October 30, 2018
My only complaint is that the publisher has divided up the Zweig miniatures into multiple volumes rather than publishing them together.
January 4, 2025
Incredible. Favourites: The Conquest of Byzantium; The Scott one; The Field Of Waterloo.
October 16, 2017
Triumph and Disaster added something a little different to my October TBR list. I have read quite a bit of Zweig's fiction, and very much enjoyed it, but this volume leans more toward non-fiction, presenting as it does a series of five historical figures at pivotal moments in their lives. Zweig's content of historical miniatures is varied, even eclectic; here, he discusses Napoleon, Captain Scott, the conquest of Byzantium, Lenin in April 1917, and the Treaty of Versailles.
Zweig's accounts are beautifully written, and have been splendidly translated. They are fanciful at times; poetic licence has certainly been used, and accounts are not always factually accurate. What Zweig does, however, is immediately engage his reader, giving an awareness of rich and fascinating pieces of history.
Zweig's accounts are beautifully written, and have been splendidly translated. They are fanciful at times; poetic licence has certainly been used, and accounts are not always factually accurate. What Zweig does, however, is immediately engage his reader, giving an awareness of rich and fascinating pieces of history.
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September 18, 2017Thank you Net Galley. Although the book is not always factually correct, it is an interesting read. The opportunity to read Mr. Zweig is always welcome. Worth reading.
March 5, 2018
(or how I am using Netgalley to slowly accumulate the collected works of Stefan Zweig).
(Also, again I have selected on Netgalley that I would like to connect with the author and Netgalley has done nothing NOTHING! to make this happen and just because Zweig has been dead since 1942, that is no excuse. Netgalley, you put that option to connect to dead people, then I am expecting you to follow through.)
(Also, as per the last time I wrote about Stefan Zweig, I must mention the sheer beauty in futility of his death: likely killing himself in Brazil in 1942, in part as a rebuke, and in part as desperation, against the Nazis. It seems like a gorgeously fictitious way to die.)
Yay! More Zweig (which if you say in a very poor German accent, sounds a lot like swag, which is what getting another Stefan Zweig book to read is like: glorious, unearned, luxurious swag). Five short essays/stories on points in history where fate or people or I don't really know -- the collection starts with Zweig dribbling some Tolstoi spew to elucidate something about history and importance or people, I don't know. It read like a twelve year old with a thesaurus trying to pad out an essay. I even went back after I read the rest of the book to try and make sense of it and nope. And I was like "Zweig -- why are you doing this to me?" But thankfully, the spew is like two pages and then we get right into the meat and reading Zweig is like a blanket on a bed next to a fire and it's just so easy to slip on in there and read about history that I forgive your Tolstoi-spew Zweig. I still don't understand it, but I forgive it, because I got to spend yesterday evening reading Zweig in my bed and it was wondrous.
Triumph and Disaster by Stefan Zweig went on sale November 14, 2017.
I received a copy free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews