Stefan Zweig (1881-1942) was a magnificent storyteller, and he proves this once again in this collection of historical stories. He presents 10 episodes from history in which the behavior of an individual was decisive, both positively and negatively. Both the descriptive and contemplative scenes are gems of writing, to the extent that he really manages to bring the past back to life. From the point of view of historians, there is of course something to criticize about that literary panache (see my commentary in my History account on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4288034532), but these ‘shooting stars’ at least offer a nice spectacle. ( )

Each of these historical miniatures is meant to look in detail at a remarkable moment that centres on an otherwise unremarkable man - in other words, how destiny is often touched by the commonplace. That is not quite how the book works out, however; the best of these stories do indeed offer miniature biographies of figures that wider historical accounts overlook, such as Grouchy at Waterloo and the writer of the Marseillaise. But others, such as Lenin's return to Russia, don't fit this scheme and feel oddly out of place. That's a slight shame, but it shouldn't distract too much from what is otherwise an excellent, highly readable book full of interest and intrigue. ( )