| The Legend of the Holy Drinker | |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Joseph Roth |
| Original title | Die Legende vom heiligen Trinker |
| Translator | Michael Hofmann |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Language | German |
| Publisher | Allert de Lange Verlag |
| Publication date | 1939 |
| Published in English |
1989 |
| Pages | 108 |
The Legend of the Holy Drinker (German: Die Legende vom heiligen Trinker) is a 1939 novella by the Austrian writer Joseph Roth, published posthumously by Allert de Lange Verlag in Amsterdam. It tells a story about an alcohol addict, Andreas, who wants to return money he has borrowed, but fails because he keeps buying beverages instead.
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In a 1992 review for Publishers Weekly, the critic wrote that "the author transforms his personal tragedy into a light, sparkling modern fable", and that Michael Hofmann's "inspired translation showcases Roth's galvanizing, constantly surprising style."[1]
Franz Josef Wild directed a 1963 adaptation for German television. In 1988 a film adaptation with the book's title by Ermanno Olmi premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it went on to win the top prize, the Golden Lion for best film. Olmi's version starred Rutger Hauer as Andreas.[2]