Hungarian-born Austrian founder of Zionism (1860–1904). Handwritten note in German on both sides of an off-white 3.75 x 2.25 visiting card, imprinted with his name "Dr. Theodor Herzl." Herzl writes a brief untranslated note in pencil, dated at London, August 20, 1900. In fine condition, with a light paperclip impression.
Herzl was in London to attend the Fourth Zionist Congress, held in the city from August 13–16, 1900. The previous Congresses had been held in Basel, Switzerland; London was chosen as host for the Fourth Congress in order to affect public opinion in England in sympathy with the Zionist idea. Reflecting on the event while on the boat from Dover to Calais on August 20th, Herzl wrote: 'The Fourth Zionist Congress is closed. Much noise, perspiration and the beating of drums. Of course no 'work' was done, but the result was splendid just the same. We staged a demonstration in the presence of the English world, and note was taken of it. On the whole the English Press had just the kind of reports we could and would use.'
