A Twentieth-Century Prophet:
Oscar Jászi 1875–1957

György Litván was a historian, university professor, founding member and director of the Insitute for the History of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He published extensively on the democratic socialist movements at the turn of the century, the 1918 democratic revolution and the Hungarian emigration between the two World Wars.

Translated by Tim Wilkinson

A fascinating look at a man, who fought for liberal ideals and for progress in Central Europe but was forced to spend the latter half of his life in America. Oscar Jászi was a historian, political theorist and sociologist, who dedicated his tremendous intellect to modern democracy in Hungary. Exiled from his homeland, Jászi's moral courage stood strong against the political tyranny and totalitarianism of the interwar period that nearly destroyed Hungary's political and social foundations. From his early years in Budapest to his later life as professor at Oberlin College in Ohio, he worked tirelessly for what he described as "a new moral, social, and economic synthesis is needed."

The life of Oscar Jászi represents one of the great triumphs of reason over violence, regardless of the defeat of his vision for a 'Danubian Federation,' and his subsequent exile. His vow to not be buried in an undemocratic Hungary was kept, and as his country emerged from the ruins of the Soviet block, his remains were transferred to Budapest in 1991, a symbol of his lasting philosophy and the spirit of his will.

"A meticulously researched, stimulating and elegantly presented story of Jászi's life that will no doubt remain the magnum opus of Jászi biographies for generations to come". - Hungarian Studies Review

"For this biography, Litván was able to use additional personal documents and various archival resources for the first time. The result is a very detailed densely written book entirely centered on Jászi and based on an intimate knowledge of his life and personality". - Journal of Modern History

"Serious students and scholars of 20th-century Hungarian intellectual and political history, as well as ethnic relations in central Europe, should be pleased with this biography. Summing up: Highly recommended". - Choice

Contents

Preface; Chapter 1 Early career; Chapter 2 Huszadik Század Chapter 3 Radicalism Chapter 4 Rifts and Alliances Chapter 5 Marriage and War Chapter 6 Before the Revolution Chapter 7 In the Revolution Chapter 8 The Commune and Exile Chapter 9 The Hungarian Newspaper of Vienna Chapter 10 Danubian Cultural Alliance Chapter 11 First Time in America Chapter 12 Back in Vienna Chapter 13 Betwixt Europe and America Chapter 14 Dissolution Chapter 15 Disputes Between Generations Chapter 16 American Citizen with a European Heart Chapter 17 War Germs Chapter 18 The Second World War Chapter 19 Danubia-Old and New; Chapter 20 The Exile Cannot Return; Bibliography; Index

2006
570 pages
ISBN 978-963-7326-42-4 cloth $59.95 / €49.95 / £40.00