Austrian Literature: The Most Famous Austrian Writers, Poets, Playwrights

Austrian literature boasts a long-standing and influential tradition, deeply entwined with the country's cultural and intellectual history. Spanning centuries, from the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the contemporary period, the literary works of Austrian writers have earned global acclaim. This article highlights 15 of the most famous Austrian writers, poets, and playwrights, whose works span a wide range of genres and themes. From Ingeborg Bachmann's poignant poetry to Thomas Bernhard's darkly comic narratives, these literary giants have shaped not only Austrian literature but also the global literary landscape.

Austrian literature has a rich and influential tradition. Here's a list of 15 famous and internationally recognized Austrian writers, poets, and playwrights across genres and eras, spanning from the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to contemporary times:

1. Ingeborg Bachmann (1926–1973)

Poet, novelist, essayist
Known for her poetry and politically engaged prose. Key works: Malina, The Thirtieth Year. A central figure in post-war Austrian literature.
Biography: An Austrian poet and novelist, Bachmann was a prominent figure in post-war German literature. She studied philosophy and German philology and was known for her profound and introspective works.

Quote: "I am not a woman who writes, but a writer who happens to be a woman."

2. Thomas Bernhard (1931–1989)

Novelist, playwright, essayist
Famous for his dense, darkly comic, and critical style. Key works: The Loser, Woodcutters, Frost.
Biography: Bernhard was an Austrian playwright and novelist known for his dark humor and criticism of Austrian society. His works often explore themes of isolation and the absurdity of life.

Quote: "I am not interested in the truth; I am interested in the lie."

3. Elfriede Jelinek (b. 1946)

Novelist, playwright
Nobel Prize in Literature (2004). Known for feminist and provocative texts. Key works: The Piano Teacher, Lust.
Biography: Jelinek is an Austrian playwright and novelist who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2004. Her works often address themes of feminism, power, and societal norms.

Quote: "The new fascism feeds on envy, hatred, and fear."

4. Stefan Zweig (1881–1942)

Novelist, biographer, essayist
Hugely popular in the early 20th century. Key works: The World of Yesterday, Chess Story, Amok.
Biography: Zweig was an Austrian writer of novels, plays, and biographies. He was one of the most popular writers in the world during the early 20th century.

Quote: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

5. Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926)

Poet
Though often associated with German literature, Rilke was born in Prague when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Key works: Duino Elegies, Sonnets to Orpheus.
Biography: Rilke was a Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist, widely recognized as one of the most significant poets in the German language.

Quote: "Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final."

6. Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)

Playwright, poet
Major figure of Austrian classicism and Romanticism. Known for historical and tragic dramas.
Biography: Grillparzer was an Austrian dramatist and poet, considered one of the most important figures in Austrian literature.

Quote: "The world is a stage, but the play is badly cast."

7. Arthur Schnitzler (1862–1931)

Playwright, novelist
Known for psychological insight and exploration of sexuality and identity. Key works: La Ronde, Dream Story (basis for Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut).
Biography: Schnitzler was an Austrian author and playwright, known for his exploration of human psychology and sexuality.

Quote: "Every man is a mystery to himself."

8. Peter Handke (b. 1942)

Novelist, playwright, screenwriter
Nobel Prize in Literature (2019). Known for both his experimental style and political controversies. Key works: Short Letter, Long Farewell, The Goalie’s Anxiety at the Penalty Kick.
Biography: Handke is an Austrian novelist, playwright, and poet who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2019. His works often delve into the human condition and the complexities of language.

Quote: "I am not interested in the truth; I am interested in the lie."

9. Robert Musil (1880–1942)

Novelist, essayist
Key modernist writer. Magnum opus: The Man Without Qualities, a monumental novel of ideas.
Biography: Musil was an Austrian writer and philosopher, best known for his unfinished novel The Man Without Qualities.

Quote: "The world is not a problem to be solved; it is an experience to be had."

10. Karl Kraus (1874–1936)

Essayist, satirist, playwright
A fierce critic of journalism, war, and hypocrisy. Known for his journal Die Fackel and satirical drama The Last Days of Mankind.
Biography: Kraus was an Austrian satirist, journalist, and playwright, known for his sharp critique of society and politics.

Quote: "The truth is the most precious thing we have. Let us economize it."

11. Hugo von Hofmannsthal (1874–1929)

Poet, playwright, librettist
Central figure in the Viennese literary scene. Collaborated with composer Richard Strauss on many operas.
Biography: Hofmannsthal was an Austrian dramatist, poet, and librettist, known for his collaboration with Richard Strauss on operas.

Quote: "The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself."

12. Christoph Ransmayr (b. 1954)

Novelist
Known for blending history, myth, and fiction. Key work: The Last World, a reimagining of Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
Biography: Ransmayr is an Austrian writer whose works often blend historical events with fiction. His novel The Last World reimagines Ovid's Metamorphoses.

Quote: "Good writing needs ignorance, speechlessness, light luggage, curiosity, or at least a willingness not only to judge the world, but to experience it."

13. Marlen Haushofer (1920–1970)

Novelist
Best known for her dystopian novel The Wall, a cult favorite in feminist and ecological literary circles.
Biography: Haushofer was an Austrian writer, best known for her novel The Wall, a dystopian story exploring themes of isolation and survival.

Quote: "I am not a pessimist; I am a realist."

14. Joseph Roth (1894–1939)

Novelist, journalist
Chronicler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s decline. Key work: The Radetzky March.
Biography: Roth was an Austrian writer and journalist, known for his novels depicting the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Quote: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

15. Heimito von Doderer (1896–1966)

Novelist
Noted for his complex psychological and historical novels. Key work: The Demons (Die Dämonen).
Biography: Doderer was an Austrian novelist, best known for his complex and detailed narratives exploring the intricacies of human relationships.

Quote: "The more I know, the more I realize how little I know."

Enjoy Austrian literature

The writers, poets, and playwrights featured in this article represent the rich diversity and depth of Austrian literature, with each author contributing uniquely to the literary world. Whether through intricate explorations of human psychology, profound philosophical reflections, or bold critiques of society, their works continue to resonate with readers worldwide. From the early classics to contemporary voices, Austria's literary legacy remains influential, offering a wealth of insights into the complexities of the human experience. Exploring these iconic figures opens a window to the heart of Austrian cultural history and its global impact.