Petzold, Alfons auch De Profundis#

b. Vienna, Sept. 24, 1882, d. Kitzbuehel (Tyrol), Jan. 25, 1923, poet and narrative writer, working class poet. Lost his father when young, grew up in a poor family and had to earn his living even as a child. Found comfort in reading and began to write satirical songs and dramatic works for folk singers and theatrical societies. Discovered by the Social Democrats; J. L. Stern published P.´s highly acclaimed book of poems "Trotz alledem" (1910), which established him as "The Proletarians´ poet". 1917 P. moved to Kitzbuehel on account of his tuberculosis and finished his most successful book, the autobiographical novel "Das rauhe Leben" (1920) there.

Editions: Gesammelte Werke, 7 vols., 1948ff.; Ein Bruder so wie du. Das A.-P.-Buch, publ. by K. Ziak, 1957.

Literature#