Author
E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann
1776-1822
E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann (1776-1822) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann
Weird Tales. Vol. 1 (of 2)
"Weird Tales. Vol. 1 (of 2)" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The volume presents a mix of fantastical and whimsical narratives, showcasing Hoffmann's unique flair for blending the uncanny with the everyday. The central story, "The Cremona Violin," introduces us to the eccentric Councillor Krespel, a peculiar character characterized by his obsession with violin-making and a haunting connection to his daughter, Antonia. The opening of "The Cremona Violin" introduces the unusual Councillor Krespel, who is in the midst of constructing a house solely based on his whims rather than any architectural plan. As the townspeople look on, Krespel's eccentricities are highlighted through amusing anecdotes and his unorthodox methods. Throughout this peculiar endeavor, hints of a deeper emotional turmoil unfold concerning his relationship with Antonia, a gifted singer kept under his strict control. The narrative sets the stage for a blend of comedic situations and underlying tragedy, particularly as Antonia's singing emerges as a focal point of tension and longing, suggesting a brewing conflict between Krespel’s desires and his daughter's fate. This intriguing combination of elements creates a captivating introduction that draws the reader into Hoffmann's fantastical world.
Nachtstücke
"Nachtstücke" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a collection of stories published in 1816. The collection includes "The Sandman," a haunting tale of Nathanael, a young man traumatized by childhood memories of a sinister figure who visited his father. When a mysterious barometer-seller appears years later, Nathanael's fears resurface, drawing him into a web of obsession, romance, and madness. As reality blurs with delusion, he becomes entangled with the beautiful but strange Olimpia, leading to a shocking revelation that shatters his world.
The Serapion Brethren, Vol. I.
"The Serapion Brethren, Vol. I." by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a collection of novellas and fairytales published in 1819. The work presents stories through a fictional framework: six friends gather to share tales and debate whether each adheres to the mysterious "Serapion Principle." Named after Hoffmann's real literary circle in Berlin, the collection weaves together twenty-eight stories with the friends' lively discussions, blending fiction with literary theory in the Romantic tradition.
Lebensansichten des Katers Murr nebst fragmentarischer Biographie des Kapellmeisters Johannes Kreisler in zufälligen Makulaturblättern
"Lebensansichten des Katers Murr" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a satirical novel published between 1819 and 1821. This ingenious work interweaves two seemingly separate biographies: the self-satisfied memoirs of Murr, an educated cat who narrates his own life and bildung, and fragmentary passages from the biography of Johannes Kreisler, a tormented musical genius. The novel's playful structure arises from a fictitious accident—Murr allegedly tore up Kreisler's biography to use as scrap paper while writing his own memoir, and the printer mistakenly published both texts together, creating a deliberately fragmented masterpiece.
Weird Tales, Vol. 2 (of 2)
"Weird Tales, Vol. 2 (of 2)" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a collection of short stories written in the early 19th century. This volume showcases Hoffmann's unique blend of fantastic elements and deep psychological insight, featuring characters navigating through richly imagined worlds influenced by romanticism and the uncanny. The stories delve into themes of identity, love, and the supernatural, highlighting the complexity of human emotion. The opening portion introduces the story "The Doge and Dogess," beginning with the vibrant painting of a Doge and his beautiful wife, which sparks a debate about the true meaning behind their portrayal. As the narrative unfolds, we learn about the historical context of the Doge Marino Falieri, who is thrust into power during a time of peril for Venice. The story juxtaposes Falieri's responsibilities with his passionate yet tumultuous feelings towards his young bride, Annunciata. Amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and personal conflict, we encounter the character of Antonio, a poor young man whose mysterious past and unspoken love for Annunciata intersect with the fate of Venice, setting the stage for an exploration of destiny and desire.
The Serapion Brethren, Vol. II
"The Serapion Brethren, Vol. II" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a collection of novellas and fairytales published between 1819-1821. Part of a four-volume work, it presents stories through a fictional framework of six friends who meet to share tales and discuss whether they adhere to a mysterious "Serapion Principle." The collection draws from Hoffmann's previously scattered works, unified by the conversations and critiques of its narrators, creating a story-within-a-story structure that blends literature with literary theory.
The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 2 (of 2)
"The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 2 (of 2)" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel published in 1815. This Gothic tale follows Medardus, a Capuchin monk who succumbs to temptation after drinking Satan's elixir. His journey spirals into obsession, murder, and madness as he encounters his mysterious doppelgänger and becomes entangled with forbidden love. Blurring reality and dream, Hoffmann probes the darkest depths of the human psyche in this ambiguous narrative that can be read as either a story of fate's cruel manipulation or Christian redemption.
Klein Zaches, genannt Zinnober: Ein Märchen
"Klein Zaches, genannt Zinnober: Ein Märchen" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a literary fairy tale published in 1819. The story follows a deformed dwarf named Zaches who receives a magical gift from a fairy: all achievements and talents of those around him are credited to him instead. As Zaches rises through society under his new identity "Zinnober," his victims watch helplessly while he claims their accomplishments. Through this grotesque tale, Hoffmann satirizes both Enlightenment rationalism and social hypocrisy in early 19th-century German principalities.
The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 1 (of 2)
"The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 1 (of 2)" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel published in 1815. A Capuchin monk named Medardus drinks a cursed elixir that once belonged to Saint Anthony, awakening dangerous desires within him. Haunted by a mysterious doppelgänger and ignorant of his own dark family history, he abandons his monastery to pursue forbidden love. His journey spirals into murder, mistaken identities, and madness as fate—or perhaps something more sinister—manipulates his every step.
Der Goldene Topf
"Der Goldene Topf" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a fairy tale first published in 1814. Student Anselmus stumbles between two worlds after encountering a mysterious snake-woman beneath an elder tree in Dresden. He must choose between mundane security with Veronika and a magical destiny with Serpentina, daughter of the alchemist Lindhorst. As Anselmus copies ancient texts, reality and fantasy blur, leading him toward either imprisonment in crystal or transcendence into the enchanted realm of Atlantis.
Deutsche Humoristen, 6. Band (von 8) Humoristische Erzählungen
"Deutsche Humoristen, 6. Band (von 8)" by E. T. A. Hoffmann et al. is a collection of humorous tales written in the early 20th century. This volume specifically highlights wit and satire from various authors, including Hoffmann himself, and aims to entertain readers with a range of comedic narratives. The collection draws upon the rich tradition of German humor, emphasizing hearty laughter and lighthearted tales that resonate even in later periods. At the start of the compilation, readers are introduced to “Klein Zaches genannt Zinnober,” a story featuring a fantastical character named Zinnober, who is a hideous changeling child. The chapter depicts how a good fairy gifts Zinnober with a magical power that allows him to claim the talents and merits of those around him, elevating him in society despite his lack of true abilities. This absurdity leads to comical situations as Zinnober navigates various social settings, including a literary tea hosted by Professor Mosch Terpin, igniting jealousy and intrigue among other characters, particularly a student named Balthasar who seeks the affection of Candida. The opening sets a lively tone, blending slapstick humor with social commentary typical of the literature of its time.
Specimens of German Romance; Vol. II. Master Flea
"Master Flea" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a humorous fairytale fantasy novel published in 1822. Set in Frankfurt am Main, it follows Peregrinus Tyss as he becomes entangled in a supernatural conflict over Dörtje Elverdink, who is actually Princess Gamaheh of Famagusta. The novel was censored before publication due to scenes mocking the court system, with significant portions removed from the fourth and fifth adventures. These missing sections weren't revealed until 1906, making Hoffmann's final intentions unclear.
Die Elixiere des Teufels : $b Nachgelassene Papiere des Bruders Medardus, eines Kapuziners
"Die Elixiere des Teufels: Nachgelassene Papiere des Bruders Medardus, eines..." by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel published in 1815. A Capuchin monk named Medardus drinks a mysterious elixir once offered to Saint Anthony by Satan, unleashing a descent into obsession and violence. As he flees his monastery, he encounters a doppelgänger, seduces noblewomen connected to his hidden past, and commits murder. His unreliable narrative blurs dreams with reality, leaving readers uncertain whether his fate is controlled by demonic forces or divine providence.
De Gouden Vaas
"De Gouden Vaas" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novella first published in 1814. A clumsy student named Anselmus falls in love with a mysterious snake in an elderberry bush, only to discover she is the daughter of an eccentric archivist who is actually a banished salamander from Atlantis. Caught between the magical Serpentina and the earthly Veronika, Anselmus must choose between two worlds while copying ancient manuscripts and battling witches wielding enchanted mirrors.
Kiusanhenki: Satu
"Kiusanhenki: Satu" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a work of fiction written in the early 19th century. The story appears to explore themes of hardship, societal perceptions, and the intersection of the mundane with the fantastical, focusing on characters such as a struggling peasant woman and her grotesquely deformed son, referred to as Sakeus. As the narrative unfolds, it promises a blend of social commentary and magical realism, amid the backdrop of folk tales and the supernatural. The opening of the story introduces a peasant woman who is beset by poverty and despair, lamenting her situation as she prepares to return home with a heavy burden of firewood. She expresses her frustration with the hardships she faces alongside her husband, particularly highlighting their son, the "little changeling," who has become the village's source of shame due to his deformities. As her sorrow overwhelms her, the story introduces a compassionate character, the noble maid Ruusunihana, who intervenes to provide comfort. This sets the stage for a narrative rich with emotional depth, character conflict, and the potential for transformation, hinting at the intertwining fates of all characters involved.
Outo intohimo: Kertomus Ludvig XIV:n ajalta
"Outo intohimo: Kertomus Ludvig XIV:n ajalta" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the time of King Louis XIV, exploring themes of mystery, desire, and the supernatural as it follows the protagonist, Miss Magdalena Scuderi, a well-known poet who finds herself entangled in a dark and dangerous plot. The opening of the novel introduces us to Miss Scuderi's quiet home, which is disturbed by an urgent and frantic knocking late at night. When her only companion, the maid Martinière, finally opens the door, a mysterious and distressed young man bursts in, claiming he needs to speak with Miss Scuderi urgently. He carries a concealed dagger, suggesting danger, and amidst the chaotic confrontation, he leaves behind a small box filled with exquisite jewelry after quickly fleeing from the entrance when he hears the approach of law enforcement. The tension sets the stage for a tale filled with intrigue, exploring the connections between art, morality, and the depths of human passion.
Pähkinänrusentaja ja hiirikuningas
"Pähkinänrusentaja ja hiirikuningas" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a literary fairy tale published in 1816. On Christmas Eve, young Marie receives a nutcracker as a gift from her godfather. That night, the toy comes alive and leads her dolls into battle against the seven-headed Mouse King and his army. After Marie aids the nutcracker, she is drawn into a magical adventure involving an ancient curse, a disfigured princess, and a mysterious enchantment that binds them all together.
Martti mestari ja hänen kisällinsä
"Martti mestari ja hänen kisällinsä" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a master cooper named Martti, who has recently been elected as the head of his professional guild in Nürnberg. The book delves into themes of artistry and craftsmanship, exploring the relationships and challenges faced by Martti and his apprentices, particularly highlighting the dynamics between love, ambition, and social status. The opening of the novel establishes a nostalgic and reflective tone, as the narrator addresses the reader with emotions tied to the ancient beauty and legacy of Nürnberg. It introduces Martti, who is celebrated for his skills in wine barrel making, as he receives recognition from his peers but also contemplates the greater significance of his craft. The subsequent chapters detail his interactions with fellow craftsmen and the challenges he faces regarding his daughter Roosa, showing the conflict between pride in his profession and personal concerns about her future. The beginnings of friendships and rivalries among the apprentices Fredrik and Reinhold are also presented, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative centered on love and artistic dedication.
Hunnutettu nainen
"Hunnutettu nainen" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story revolves around a mysterious veiled woman named Celestine, who arrives at the home of a Polish mayor, accompanied by an abbess. As she stays at their residence, her enigmatic situation raises various speculations and emotions among the townsfolk and the mayor's family, hinting at deeper secrets and themes of identity, motherhood, and societal judgment. The opening of the novel introduces the moment when Celestine arrives at the mayor's home, seeking refuge as she prepares for childbirth. The townsfolk and the mayor's wife are curious and apprehensive about her sudden appearance, especially as she insists on remaining hidden under her heavy veils. As Celestine becomes a part of their household, she displays a mix of devotion and suffering, which intrigues and confounds the family. Her presence triggers a range of reactions, from sympathy to fear, as tales about her grow among the locals—even leading them to concoct dark myths about her concealed identity. The narrative unfolds with an underlying tension around her true nature and the implications of her arrival on the mayor's family, setting the stage for a tale rife with suspense and moral dilemmas.
Markiisittaren rikos
"Markiisittaren rikos" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story appears to focus on themes of crime, morality, and societal expectations within the nobility, centering on a tragic and sensational case involving a marquise, her relationships, and a suspicious disappearance. The main characters include Franziska (the marquise), her husband the Marquis de la Pivardière, and her confessor Charost. The narrative appears to explore love, betrayal, social reputation, and the devastating consequences of misunderstandings and accusations among the French aristocracy. The opening of the novel sets a dramatic and morally charged tone, beginning with a widely-discussed murder in Paris that serves as context for a more personal tragedy. Within an aristocratic salon, shocking news is shared regarding the brutal murder of the Marquis de la Pivardière, for which suspicion quickly falls upon his wife, Franziska, and her confessor Charost. This leads to a layered recounting of Franziska's emotionally constrained upbringing, her unusual relationship with love and marriage, and her subsequent choice of an apparently uninspiring husband. The atmosphere becomes one of mounting suspicion and scandal when the marquis disappears under mysterious circumstances, prompting a public investigation, accusations of murder, and eventually, a sensational trial. Throughout, Hoffmann highlights the power of rumor, the fragility of reputation, the influence of childhood experiences, and the complex interplay between truth and appearances in high society.