A little bit of nostalgia can’t do any harm, especially in these difficult times. The latest book by Beppo Beyerl and Thomas Hofmann is a magnificent journey back in time.

Richly illustrated and based on numerous newspaper articles, official documents, postcards and ads, “Wiener Vergnügungen. Die Stadt von gestern” portrays entertainment and events in Vienna before and after World War One.
The authors describe how measures to regulate the Danube in 1870 offered new free-time opportunities. “Wiener Vergnügungen. Die Stadt von gestern” also underlines the city’s passion for music – from concerts commemorating the 100th anniversary of Franz Schubert’s death to a festival in 1928 called Sängerbundfest attended by 40,000. Especially the chapter on the spectacular success of waltz geniuses Johann Strauss and Joseph Lanner captures the festive atmosphere back in the days.
Anecdotes about activities like ice-skating, cycling and swimming add to the special appeal of “Wiener Vergnügungen. Die Stadt von gestern”.
Wiener Vergnügungen. Die Stadt von gestern
By Thomas Hofmann & Beppo Beyerl
Published by Styria (www.styriabooks.at)