Saiko, George#

Saiko, George, b. Ervěnice, Czech Republic (then Seestadtl), Feb. 5, 1892, d. Rekawinkel (Lower Austria), Dec. 23, 1962, narrative writer and translator. From 1918 long visits abroad, 1939 banned from writing, 1945-1950 temporary director of the Graphic Art collection of the Albertina, then private scholar (art historian) and writer. Exponent of "magical realism" with psychoanalytical tendencies (use of symbol and association) and strong references to Austria. His novel "Auf dem Floss" (1948) and the comedy "Hof und Personalnachrichten (premiere in 1988) document the fall of the monarchy, while "Der Mann im Schilf" (1955) describes the historical events around the July putsch in 1934. Awarded the Grand Austrian State Prize in 1962.

Edition: Saemtliche Werke in 5 Baenden, ed. by A. Haslinger, 1987-1990.

Literature#