The House of Wittgenstein: A Family at War

Waugh writes in the great family tradition--that is, very well. His tale covers the time from the rise of industrial Austria, through the first world war, and then the second, until the death of all the children of Karl Wittgenstein, one of the wealthiest and most influential industrialists of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in its last years. Karl's children inherited many gifts,...more

Waugh writes in the great family tradition--that is, very well. His tale covers the time from the rise of industrial Austria, through the first world war, and then the second, until the death of all the children of Karl Wittgenstein, one of the wealthiest and most influential industrialists of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in its last years. Karl's children inherited many gifts, but bore many burdens. Waugh is not one for gory details or unfounded speculations, but the picture he paints is usually clear and sympathetic. Sometimes I thought he glided over important events too quickly; other times, I thought he missed important details in the telling. But I realized as I continued reading that I read with the prejudice of having read Ray Monk's magisterial biography of the youngest Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Where Waugh gave short shrift to some details about LW, he sought to provide a coherent overview of the family from one unmoving viewpoint, as it were, from above it all. This serves to tell the story from the general 'family' viewpoint, including perspectives from all the main players. The children of Karl were bound by a love of music especially, which pervaded their lives. Each one was accomplished in various instruments, especially the piano, and one of them--Paul--went on to an acclaimed international career as one of the greatest players of his time. That he did so having lost his right arm during WWI gives the reader some small indication of the amazing qualities of the family. The Wittgensteins were, if nothing else, men and women of their times. Secessionist Vienna, the Wars, Hapsburg aristocracy, all play into the story of wealth and talent, well- or ill-used. The book is a terrific read for anyone interested in late-19th, early-20th-century, or another perspective on the life and times of the greatest philosopher of the twentieth century.   hide