Life in the Making

Franz Michael Felder was a prolific writer, activist, and founder of workers cooperatives, a political party, and a public library. His Life in the Making is a tribute to his wife Nanni and his belief in a better world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2021
Publisher: Pushkin Press

Franz Michael Felder, a remarkable individual who lived a life of immense productivity and impact, dedicated himself to personal growth and the betterment of others over the course of his brief 29 years. Hailing from the humble village of Schoppernau in Austria, Felder embarked on a remarkable journey that saw him establish workers' cooperatives, a political party, and even a public library within the confines of his own home. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Felder was a prolific writer, leaving behind a vast literary legacy. A Life in the Making, a testament to Felder's extraordinary career, serves as both a culmination and a chronicle of his development. It unfolds as a captivating story of early adversity and unwavering determination, showcasing Felder's insatiable thirst for knowledge and his unwavering commitment to reconciling his own aspirations with the confines of the community he was born into. The prose in A Life in the Making is characterized by its limpid beauty, rendering it a profoundly moving tribute to Felder's wife, Nanni, and his unwavering belief in the possibility of a better world.

Born in 1861, Felder's early years were marked by poverty and hardship. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained determined to pursue education and improve his circumstances. He attended schools in his village and later enrolled in a teachers' college in Vienna, where he developed a passion for literature and philosophy.

Felder's dedication to personal growth extended beyond his academic pursuits. He was deeply committed to social justice and equality, and he used his talents and resources to advocate for the rights of workers and the marginalized. In 1888, he founded the Workers' Cooperative Society in Schoppernau, which aimed to provide affordable housing, education, and healthcare to its members. The cooperative was a huge success, and it quickly spread to other communities in Austria.

Felder's political activism also played a significant role in his life. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party and was actively involved in local and national politics. He campaigned for workers' rights, social welfare, and democratic reforms, and he played a key role in the establishment of Austria's first workers' parliament in 1890.

In addition to his entrepreneurial and political endeavors, Felder was also a prolific writer. He wrote novels, short stories, essays, and poems, which explored themes of social justice, love, and the human condition. His works were widely read and admired, and they had a profound impact on his readers and the broader society.

Felder's life came to an end in 1920, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence people around the world. His dedication to personal growth, social justice, and the pursuit of a better world serves as a testament to the power of human potential and the importance of making a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, Franz Michael Felder's life was a remarkable testament to the power of human potential and the importance of making a positive impact on the world. Over the course of his 29 years, he worked tirelessly to better himself and the lives of those around him, establishing workers' cooperatives, a political party, and a public library, while also leaving behind a vast literary legacy. His story of early hardship and determination, his relentless pursuit of knowledge, and his unwavering belief in the possibility of a better world continue to inspire and motivate people today. Felder's legacy serves as a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference and that we should never underestimate the impact we can have on the world around us.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782276852