Richard Weiner (Czech writer)

Richard Weiner (October 6, 1884 – January 3, 1937) was a Czech writer, poet, journalist, and translator. He is considered a significant figure in Czech modernism and expressionism.

Weiner was born in Písek, Bohemia (then part of Austria-Hungary). He studied at the Faculty of Law in Prague, but his interest quickly shifted to literature and journalism. He worked as a journalist for various Czech newspapers, including Lidové noviny.

His literary work is characterized by its psychological depth, introspective narratives, and often bleak or pessimistic outlook. Weiner explored themes of alienation, anxiety, identity, and the human condition in a rapidly changing world. He was influenced by psychoanalysis and existentialist philosophy.

Weiner's major works include:

• Usměvavá tvář osudu (Smiling Face of Destiny, 1916): A collection of short stories.
• Netečný divák (The Indifferent Spectator, 1917): A collection of poems.
• Lítice (Furies, 1918): A prose work exploring psychological trauma.
• Hra doopravdy (The Game for Real, 1922): Considered one of his most important novels, dealing with themes of madness and the search for meaning.
• Škleb (Grimace, 1926): A novel exploring alienation and modern life.
• Zátiší s citrónem (Still Life with Lemon, 1936): A collection of short stories reflecting on life and death.

Weiner also translated works by French authors such as Marcel Proust and Charles Baudelaire into Czech.

He died in Prague in 1937. Although not widely known outside of Czech literature, Richard Weiner's work continues to be studied and appreciated for its complex psychological portrayal of individuals grappling with the anxieties and uncertainties of the 20th century. His writing offers a unique and introspective perspective on the human experience during a period of significant social and political upheaval.