Zsolnay, Paul von, 1895-

Paul Zsolnay (1895-1961) founded Paul Zsolnay Verlag in Vienna in 1923-1924; Franz Werfel's novel Verdi was the company's first publication, and Zsolnay remained Werfel's publisher until the Anschluss, in 1938, at which point they fell out of contact, and Werfel entered into a new publishing relationship with Gottfried Bermann Fischer. Before the founding of the publishing company, Zsolnay had been friends with members of Alma Mahler's family (Carl and Anna Moll, and Maria Eberstaller); and Alma was also acquainted with Paul's mother, Amanda ("Andy") Zsolnay. Paul Zsolnay married Alma's daughter Anna in 1929; they had a daughter, Alma Zsolnay, who remained with Paul after he and Anna divorced in 1935. Zsolnay emigrated to England in 1938, and was a partner in the founding of the publishing company Heinemann & Zsolnay in London. He maintained a friendship with Alma and Franz through the subsequent years, and would also discuss publishing matters with them. Zsolnay returned to Vienna after the war, in 1946, and reestablished Paul Zsolnay Verlag.

From the description of Correspondence with Alma Mahler and Franz Werfel, 1937-1961. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 155864890