156. Dezső Kosztolányi (1885–1936), writer.

Autograph letter to his cousin Géza Csáth, addressed "Kedves Józsi" (My Dear Józsi).
The writer had recently begun his studies in Vienna, attending philosophy lectures. At the beginning of this interesting and varied letter, he describes a student demonstration in Budapest (on November 26, 1904, peaceful protesters defending the constitution were dispersed by police). He compares this to recent demonstrations in Vienna (social democrats protesting Mayor Carl Lueger’s birthday celebrations), drawing the conclusion that Hungarians do even this better: "Oh sweet Hungarians! This Hungarian people, in its native blindness and excessive recklessness! Love of race seizes me, and I nearly tumble over the Leitha to fall among you, to lay my aching head upon an honest broad Hungarian chest..." Throughout the letter he expresses his unhappiness among the Austrians and his homesickness. He angrily notes that one of his professors made derogatory remarks about Hungarians in his presence. Equally remarkable are his reflections on patriotism: "If I judge impartially, I must become a chauvinist. This people knows no other language than Hungarian: nor should they learn another, for none is more beautiful than this... We must give up all delusions and follow in the footsteps of János Arany and Sándor Petőfi. We must become honest Hungarians! Each and every one of us, without exception, but above all those who wield the pen..." He then recommends readings for the addressee (Ibsen, Stendhal, Byron). At this point the letter breaks off. The critical edition published by Kalligram in 2013 reproduces it and notes that the second part survives in the manuscript collection of the Hungarian Academy.
2 written pages. 
Dated: Vienna, 27 November 1904.
 
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