Edge of Irony

The book delves into the cultural aftermath of the Austro-Hungarian Empire's dissolution post-World War I, highlighting the profound influence on writers like Joseph Roth and Ludwig Wittgenstein. It introduces "Austro-Modernism," characterized by a unique blend of radical irony, a sense of exile, and an erotic, quixotic sensibility. Marjorie Perloff examines key works, including Karl Kraus's drama and Paul Celan's poetry, emphasizing how this literary movement diverges from traditional modernism by prioritizing inquiry over definitive answers.