Franz Werfel (1890-1945) was one of the founders of the expressionist movement in German literature. In 1940, he fled the Nazis and settled in the U.S. He wrote one of his most popular novels, Song of Bernadette, in 1941. The collection consists of materials found in Werfel's study at the time of his death. Includes correspondence, manuscripts, clippings and printed materials, pictures, artifacts, periodicals, and books.

Franz Werfel was born September 10, 1890 in Prague, Bohemia; one of the founders of the expressionist movement in German literature, Werfel began writing poetry when still a boy and published his first play when 20; published first book of verse in 1911; plays Goat Song (1922) and Juarez and Maximilian (1925) were successfully produced in Europe and New York; published novel, Verdi, in 1924; married Alma Mahler, composer Gustav Mahler's widow, in 1929; in 1940 fled Nazis to U.S.; wrote one of his most popular novels, Song of Bernadette, in 1941; died of a heart attack on August 26, 1945 in Beverly Hills.

18.5 linear feet (37 boxes and 1 oversize box)

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