Broch, Hermann

(born Nov. 1, 1886, Vienna—died May 30, 1951, New Haven, Conn., U.S.) Austrian writer. A student of physics, mathematics, and philosophy, Broch published his first major work, (1931–32), when he was in his 40s. A trilogy tracing the disintegration of European society between 1888 and 1918, it exemplifies his innovative multidimensional novels in its use of many different narrative forms to present a wide range of experiences. His other novels include (1945), which presents the last 18 hours of Virgil's life, and (1953), a portrayal of a Hitlerian stranger's domination of a village. He also wrote essays, letters, and reviews.

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