The literary work of writer and feuilletonist Josef Viktor Widmann (1842–1911) is surprising in its ingenuity and wit, despite drawing deeply on tradition. As a sharp-eyed columnist, he knew how to raise questions that are still relevant today with an unvarnished view of his own time. His books reached a wide audience, his plays were performed throughout the German-speaking world, and under his leadership, the Berner Bund and its feuilleton became a reference point that was also listened to in Berlin and Vienna. After his unexpected death, things quietened down around him. His books initially remained in bookshops, commemorative days remembered him and his estate was archived, but 20th-century Switzerland did not seek to identify itself with this critical, combative and cosmopolitan spirit.
This publication aims to reignite interest in Widmann. Seven articles outline approaches to the life, work and influence of this important Bernese author and feature writer.
Contributions (in german) by: Matthias Fischer, Lukas Gloor, Rea Köppel, Dominik Müller, Elsbeth Pulver, Ruth Stadler, Peter Utz.
Lukas Gloor, Rea Köppel, Dominik Müller und Peter Utz (Hg.): Mr. Feuilleton: Josef Viktor Widmann. Bern: Robert Walser-Zentrum 2025 (Schriften des Robert Walser-Zentrums;
7), 157 S., ISBN 978-3-9523586-6-5, CHF 9.50
Order at info@robertwalser.ch