This is a wonderful autobiographical book by Stefan Zweig (1881-1942). He draws a vivid picture of the intellectually stimulating life and environment as well as the effect of the turbulent European history during his lifetime. He was among Austria's most prominent authors, best known for his novellas and biographies. He also wrote librettos to Richard Strauss' operas. He fled Austria in 1934, following Hitler's rise to power in Germany and became an embittered refugee. He committed suicide in 1942. 'Die Welt von Gestern' is his final work.