This article approaches Stefan Zweig’s cultural-political writings from the perspective of the author’s identity and legitimation crisis. Zweig faced the challenges and dramatic events of his time in the context of his literary worldview. The article focuses not so much on the political content of Zweig’s journalism, but on its language, rhetorical strategies and narrative patterns, which determine its attitude, ethos and style. In particular, it discusses Zweig’s valuation and transvaluation of political vocabulary, the appeal function of his speeches and essays, his reflections on the power and binding nature of words, as well as the testimonial value of his writings.
