Oskar Baum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oskar Baum
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Oskar Baum in 1920s
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| Born | 21 January 1883 |
| Died | 20 March 1941 (aged 58) Prague, Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia
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Oskar Baum (born January 21, 1883 – died March 20, 1941) was a talented Czech writer and music teacher. He wrote his books in the German language. Even though he lost his sight at a young age, he became a successful author and an important part of a famous group of friends in Prague.
Early Life and Education
Oskar Baum was born in Pilsen, which was part of Austria-Hungary at the time, on January 21, 1883. His father was a merchant who sold cloth. Oskar had problems with his eyesight from the day he was born. When he was eight years old, he lost the sight in one eye. Then, at the age of eleven, he completely lost his sight during an accident.
Because he could no longer attend his regular school, his teacher sent him to a special high school. This school was called the Israelite Institute for the Blind in Vienna. There, Oskar learned how to be a music consultant. He also became very good at playing the organ and the piano.
In 1902, Oskar finished his studies and moved back to Prague. He earned money by working as an organist and a cantor in a synagogue. A cantor is someone who leads songs and prayers. Later, he also became a piano teacher.
The Prague Circle
In 1904, Oskar Baum met some very important people who became his close friends. These friends were Max Brod, Ludwig Winder, Franz Kafka, and Felix Weltsch. They all became very good friends with Oskar.
After Oskar married Margarete Schnabel, their apartment became a special meeting place. This group of friends was known as the "Prague Circle." At their meetings, they would read their own stories and poems to each other. They also loved to explore books written by other authors. Besides reading, they enjoyed listening to and playing chamber music together. During this time, Oskar and Franz Kafka wrote many letters to each other.
Later Life and Legacy
Oskar Baum passed away on March 20, 1941, in Prague. He died because of problems after an operation on his intestines.
Sadly, not long after Oskar's death, his wife Margarete was sent to a place called the Theresienstadt Ghetto. She died there about a year later. Their only son, Leo, was born in 1909. He later died in Jerusalem in 1946.
Oskar Baum is remembered as a talented writer and musician. He showed that even with big challenges, you can achieve great things and make a lasting impact.
