Kraus, Karl (1874–1936)

Austrian poet, essayist, and satirist. He was the founder 1899 of the important literary journal Die Fackel/The Torch to which, from 1912 to his death, he was the sole contributor. Kraus's hard-hitting literary and political polemics brought him fame as a cultural critic, but also bitter enemies, particularly among the press. A brilliant stylist, his witty linguistic originality resulted in a perfect blending of content and form.