Lot 286
Herzl, Theodor (1860-1904) Zionist leader, born in Budapest. He trained as a lawyer in Vienna, then became a journalist and playwright. After witnessing the anti-Semitism surrounding the Dreyfus trial (1894) in Paris, he became convinced of the need for a Jewish homeland. He wrote the pamphlet "Judenstaat" (1896) calling for a world council to discuss the question of a homeland for the Jews. He convened the first Zionist Congress at Basel (1897) and became the first president of the World Zionist Organization.
Autograph Letter Signed "Herzl" in German, one page, 8¾" x 5½", Hamburg, 27 Oct. 1890. Very good; upper and lower right tips are torn, and one small fold split; with English translation. The letter is written to a friend, undoubtedly regarding his play "Die Dame in Schwarz," for which he teamed up with Hugo Wittmann. In part: "Dearest friend! Your letter has been forwarded to me here where I took refuge one day ahead of the annoying matter of the scheduled rehearsals. My plans are to return tomorrow morning. So far, Hasemann did not contact me and I purposely did not call on him either before receiving your message. Now I shall definitely approach him to bring the matter to a conclusion, if possible. I do think that he is the most suitable individual for that. I intend to work on the "couplets" during my trip home. At the moment, there are too many other issues mulling around in my head.Eight days from today I expect to be in Vienna."
The play was being performed by the Burgtheater, the former imperial court theatre and one of the most important theaters in Europe and the second oldest theater in existence after the Comédie Francaise. During this time, Herzl also welcomed the birth of his first child, daughter Pauline. Herzle had married one year earlier.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
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