Julius Caesar in his Gallic War (c46BC) shows an emperor’s grasp of strategy regarding what was to become Switzerland. “The Helvetii are confined on every side by the nature of their situation; on one side by the Rhine, a very broad and deep river, which separates the Helvetian territory from the Germans.” Authors ever since – from Byron to Borges, Hesse to Highsmith – have come, seen, and done some serious writing.
Switzerland is the crossroads of Europe, more so now that borders are tightening. In times of trouble it’s where writers have found congenial refuge. Neutrality has helped, and being surrounded by warring nations for much of its history. The chocolate-box scenery hasn’t hurt, either.
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