Lilly Steinschneider. The First Hungarian Female Pilot of Jewish Origin
Lilly Steinschneider. The First Hungarian Female Pilot of Jewish Origin

Summary/Abstract: The story not only of Lilly Steinschneider but also of the entire Coudenhove-Kalergi family in the first half of the twentieth century goes far beyond established ideas. It can be rightly considered to provide a picture of historical European or pan-European events in relation to Austria-Hungary, Germany, Bohemia and Czechoslovakia. Japanese influences also had a role to play in this story. At the same time, it is the story of an extremely emancipated woman who did not prevent – and perhaps did not even want to or was not able to prevent – the break-up of the family. And it is a story of denial of one’s roots, a contradictory story that cannot, of course, be forgotten. Much has been written about Lilly Steinschneider but few such articles – whether in Czech or other languages, in journals or magazines – are based on an in-depth research into the sources. As in other similar cases, we encounter a reiteration of established myths and clichés. And as in other similar cases, the historical reality is significantly more complex, multifarious and less self-evident than can be described in a few lines.

• Details
• Contents