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 / £33.95
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