- Stefan Zweig's 1942 book 'The World of Yesterday' is a memoir of a lost Europe, focusing on how the continent descended into World War I and the rise of fascism.
- The book's relevance to current times is striking, as the author describes pre-WWI complacency and the denial of impending disaster, echoing modern political tensions.
- Zweig highlights the role of industrialists in financing fascist movements, and his minimalistic writing style allows the story of Europe to take center stage.
- The review notes that the book offers a unique perspective on history, where intellectuals and artists once held sway, but were ultimately swept aside by barbarism.