Origins & Early Life

Egon Friedell (born Egon Friedmann; 21 January 1878, Vienna – 16 March 1938, Vienna) was a prominent Austrian cultural historian, playwright, actor and Kabarett performer, journalist and theatre critic. Friedell has been described as a polymath. Before 1916, he was also known by his pen name Egon Friedländer. Friedell's parents had immigrated to Vienna from the eastern parts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Friedell was the second child of Jewish parents, Moriz Friedmann and Karoline (née Eisenberger), who were running a silk manufactory in Mariahilf. His older brother, Oskar Friedmann , also later became a writer and journalist. His mother left the family for another man when he was six years old; from then on he lived with his father. The divorce was made in 1887. After his father's death in 1889, Friedell lived with his aunt in Frankfurt am Main, where he would attend school, until he was expelled for unruly behaviour three years later.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Even at this young age, Friedell was considered a troublemaker and freethinker. In 1897, he renounced Judaism and converted to the Lutheran faith. He attended several schools in Austria and Germany. Whilst attending school in Heidelberg...

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