Arthur Schnitzler

Arthur Schnitzler was an Austrian author and playwright known for his psychological insight and innovative narrative techniques. His works often explore themes of love, sexuality, and the human psyche, and he is considered one of the most important writers of the early 20th century.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. None but the Brave

    "None but the Brave" is a novel that explores the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and social norms in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of middle-class Austrians whose comfortable lives are disrupted when they become entangled in a series of romantic and sexual affairs. The narrative delves into their individual struggles, their moral dilemmas, and the societal expectations that they grapple with. The book is a profound examination of the human condition, highlighting the courage it takes to face one's desires and fears.

    The 3324th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Lieutenant Gustl

    Set in early 20th-century Vienna, the story delves into the mind of a young Austrian officer who grapples with his internal conflicts and societal pressures. As he attends a concert, his thoughts wander, revealing his insecurities, prejudices, and the rigid expectations of military honor that govern his life. A seemingly trivial encounter spirals into a crisis of identity and purpose, forcing him to confront the fragility of his existence and the superficiality of the values he holds dear. Through a stream-of-consciousness narrative, the tale explores themes of existential angst and the struggle for authenticity in a conformist world.

    The 3637th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Road Into The Open

    Set in the vibrant cultural milieu of early 20th-century Vienna, this novel delves into the life of a young composer grappling with the complexities of love, art, and identity. As he navigates the intricacies of his relationships with a diverse array of characters, including artists, intellectuals, and lovers, he confronts the societal expectations and personal dilemmas that shape his journey. The narrative explores themes of existential introspection and the pursuit of authenticity amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, capturing the essence of a society on the brink of modernity.

    The 3637th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Dream Story

    Set in early 20th-century Vienna, the story follows a married couple, Fridolin and Albertina, who confront their hidden desires and fantasies after attending a masked ball. The narrative delves into themes of fidelity, identity, and the subconscious as Fridolin embarks on a nocturnal journey through the city, encountering a series of surreal and erotic experiences that challenge his perceptions of reality and his relationship with Albertina. The tale explores the tension between dreams and reality, ultimately questioning the nature of desire and the boundaries of personal freedom within the confines of marriage.

    The 6295th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. Plays And Stories

    "Plays and Stories" is a collection that showcases the work of a prominent writer known for his incisive exploration of psychology and morality in turn-of-the-century Viennese society. The book brings together a selection of his dramatic and narrative pieces, each delving into the complex lives and intimate struggles of its characters. Through a blend of sharp dialogue, intricate character studies, and a keen observation of social mores, the collection reveals the subtle forces at play in love, desire, and power, often highlighting the ironic twists of fate that can alter the course of an individual's life. The writer's work is celebrated for its nuanced depiction of the human condition and its influence on modernist literature.

    The 7216th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. Professor Bernhardi

    The play revolves around a Jewish physician who heads a Viennese clinic and becomes embroiled in a scandal when he prevents a Catholic priest from giving the last rites to a dying patient who is unaware of the seriousness of her condition. His actions, motivated by a desire to preserve the patient's peace of mind, are misinterpreted as anti-Catholic, leading to a public outcry and a power struggle that reflects the deeply ingrained anti-Semitism and political opportunism of the time. The doctor's principled stand becomes a flashpoint for societal and professional conflict, raising questions about ethics, religion, and the corrosive effects of prejudice.

    The 16685th Greatest Book of All Time
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