Summary:
The book is a memoir reflecting on the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of pre-World War I Europe, as well as the author's personal experiences and friendships with prominent figures. It also chronicles the rise of intolerance and the loss of the world he once knew, leading up to the horrors of both World Wars.
Key points:
1. Loss of Security: Zweig portrays pre-WWI era as secure and stable, which was disrupted by war, causing widespread disillusionment.
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