Eulogy for Theodor Herzl, and a letter handwritten by Baroness Bertha von Suttner. [Austria, 1904]. German
• Two leaves handwritten by Bertha von Suttner - eulogy for Theodor Herzl. These words were written for an anthology of essays and eulogies published shortly after Herzel passed away, in a special issue ("Herzl Nummer") of the periodical "Ost und West", on August 8, 1904.
"I want to talk about his beauty. He was like an Assyrian king, and still a modern gentleman. About his work (a giant's work: nothing less than the foundations of a state), about…the spirit that his pen dispersed much will be said in this anthology. Perhaps his beauty will not be mentioned (as if it is not worth mentioning, compared to other gifts), but it was part of his harmonious image…". [2] leaves (two written pages), 17.5 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks and creases. Filing holes (slight damage to text). A later inscription in pen on the reverse of one of the leaves.
• Letter from Bertha von Suttner. Krumperndorf, Austria. August 1, 1904. This letter preceded the eulogy. The letter was sent to the editor of the periodical "Ost und West", Leo Wintz. The Baroness expresses her hope, that the eulogy which she composed will be published in the special issue in memory of Herzl, but since it was sent late, it did not reach in time for the designated issue.
"Dear editors, your letter has been forwarded to me…I have time just to write a few lines on the requested topic - and who knows if they arrive in time? It was a grievous loss for Jews and for the noble-minded humanity that this glorious man was taken so prematurely". Leaf, 11.5 cm (two written pages). Good condition. Horizontal folding mark and minor damages. Filing holes (slight damage to text).
Baroness Bertha von Suttner (1843-1914), a daughter of an aristocratic family from Prague, Austrian author and peace activist; author of the book "Sie Waffen nieder!" - "Lay Down your Arms", which was one of the most influential books in the 19th century, for which she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905. Suttner was the first woman who won this prize. Since 1999 her image is depicted on Austrian 2 Euro commemorative coins.
Suttner was a leading figure among peace movements. She edited, among other things, an international periodical titled "Lay down your arms" and founded the Austrian Peace Society. For years she maintained her friendship with Alfred Nobel. It is believed that the relationship between the two is one of the major reasons that led to Nobel's decision to include a prize for peace in his will.
Suttner knew Herzl, and corresponded with him about pacifism and Zionism. She tried to assist him several time using her connections among Russian aristocracy. Herzl hired Suttner to cover the Peace Convention in The Hague on behalf of "Die Welt" newspaper, and Suttner is mentioned in his diaries. Amos Eilon wrote about the relations between the two: "She was fond of Herzl and supported the Zionist idea. In her letters to Herzl Suttner named him 'Dear governor of Zion'…Suttner, just like Herzl, was totally devoted to the idea, a sole fighter who was enthused by Herzl's spirit and devotion to an ideal which was seemingly unattainable. As president of the 'World Peace Society' she noticed that banal and worthless arguments are used at the same time against Zionism and Pacifism, and often by the same people". ("Herzl", Amos Eilon. "Am Oved", 1977. P.336).