Correspondence with Wiener, Alfred

Dr Alfred Wiener (1885-1964) was Jewish German activist against Anti-Semitism in general and National Socialism in particular. Leaving Germany in 1933 he survived the Nazi era in exile. An internationally regarded personality, Wiener is most prominently known as founder and longtime director of The Wiener Library.

Comprising handwritten and typewritten letters, the correspondence contains the work related communication of Wiener with Wiener Library staff members while on official trips or on annual leave. Among the various topics dealt with are the Library’s eyewitness testimony project, a planned edition of documents on the persecution of Jews in the Nazi era (‘Dokumentenwerk’), efforts to secure the Library’s funding and the finding of new premises for the institution.

Particular reference can be made to numerous summaries of meetings which Wiener had on his trips as well as to drafts for articles he authored on various subjects. Furthermore, some press cuttings, address lists, postcards, announcements for public talks, and telegrams are contained.