Franz Blei als Berater des Verlages Georg Müller

The Austrian writer Franz Blei (1871–1942) is mainly known for his essays, his “erotic” publications, as editor of such well-known journals as Insel, Amethyst, Opale, Hyperion, Der Lose Vogel and Summa as well as promoter of young talents like Robert Musil and Robert Walser. In addition, Blei acted as skillful and influential advisor to important publishers like Julius Zeitler, Hans von Weber, Insel Verlag and Georg Müller. His numerous notes and letters to Georg Müller prove his extensive familiarity with literature, his creative ideas, his knowledge of the book business and his wide network. This correspondence file was preserved by a fortunate accident. As the political development drove Blei into emigration he did not leave a literary estate except a small book collection (now in the Portuguese National Library). The correspondence made available here in a carefully annotated edition is a remarkable contribution to the history of books and publishing.