Franz Theodor Csokor was that rare phenomenon, a writer who actually lived out the ideals embodied in his works. His friend Carl Zuckmayer told the story of how, at a party to celebrate one of Zuckmayer's stage successes, a guest who knew neither man assumed for the whole evening that Csokor was the author of the play "because he radiated such happiness." This gift of sharing in the feelings of others is at the heart of Csokor's personality; he had the ability to feel at one with humanity in all its manifestations, not just with those of like mind. All of his characters are depicted with sympathy, even when their actions are condemned. In the story "Letzte Stunde" (Last Hour) in the collection Der zweite Hahnenschrei (The Second Crow of the Cock, 1959) the central figure is a liberal writer who bears much resemblance to Csokor; as he faces...