Curated shelf
DE Prosa
Browse DE Prosa as a public-domain reading list on Rivro, with free classics, authors, subjects, and related books.
Josefine Mutzenbacher oder Die Geschichte einer Wienerischen Dirne von ihr selbst erzählt
Felix Salten
Josefine Mutzenbacher oder Die Geschichte einer Wienerischen Dirne von ihr selbst erzählt
"Josefine Mutzenbacher" by Felix Salten is an erotic novel first published anonymously in 1906. The work presents itself as the memoir of an aging Viennese courtesan recounting her youth in Vienna between ages five and thirteen. Written in Viennese dialect, the novel depicts explicit sexual content while also documenting the social conditions of Vienna's lower class. This controversial bestseller has sold over three million copies, sparked legal battles, inspired numerous adaptations, and continues to generate scholarly debate about its literary merit and cultural significance.
Die Verwandlung
Franz Kafka
Die Verwandlung
"Die Verwandlung" by Franz Kafka is a novella written in 1912. The story follows Gregor Samsa, who wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. Unable to work and communicate, he becomes increasingly isolated from his family, who must now support themselves financially. As Gregor adapts to his new form, his relationships deteriorate and his family grows resentful of his presence. The narrative explores his struggle between his fading humanity and emerging animal instincts.
Aus dem Leben eines Taugenichts: Novelle
Joseph Eichendorff
Aus dem Leben eines Taugenichts: Novelle
"Aus dem Leben eines Taugenichts: Novelle" by Freiherr von Joseph Eichendorff is a novella completed in 1822/23 and first published in 1826. A miller's son, dismissed as a good-for-nothing, sets out into the world with only his violin. He falls in love with a beautiful lady at a Viennese castle, becomes a toll collector, then abandons everything when she seems unattainable. His wandering journey takes him through Italy to Rome, following mysterious letters and glimpses of his beloved through gardens, palaces, and moonlit streets.
Buddenbrooks: Verfall einer Familie
Thomas Mann
Buddenbrooks: Verfall einer Familie
"Buddenbrooks: Verfall einer Familie" by Thomas Mann is a novel published in 1901. It chronicles the gradual decline of a wealthy north German merchant family across four generations, from 1835 to 1877. Drawing from Mann's own family history in Lübeck, the story explores conflicts between business duty and personal happiness as the Buddenbrooks face financial reverses and changing values during Germany's industrialization. Mann's first novel, written when he was twenty-six, became a literary success and earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1929.
Bahnwärter Thiel
Gerhart Hauptmann
Bahnwärter Thiel
"Bahnwärter Thiel" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a novella written in 1887 and published in 1888. This naturalist work follows Thiel, a dutiful railway watchman haunted by his first wife's death. When his domineering second wife mistreats his son Tobias, Thiel retreats into visions while struggling between loyalty and guilt. His isolated world begins to fracture when family life invades his sacred workspace, setting in motion a devastating chain of events that will test the boundaries of his increasingly fragile mind.
In Stahlgewittern, aus dem Tagebuch eines Stoßtruppführers
Ernst Jünger
In Stahlgewittern, aus dem Tagebuch eines Stoßtruppführers
"In Stahlgewittern, aus dem Tagebuch eines Stoßtruppführers" by Ernst Jünger is a memoir published in 1920. Based on his diary entries, Jünger recounts his experiences on the German Western Front during World War I from December 1914 to August 1918. He traces his transformation from young volunteer to experienced storm trooper, describing brutal combat with unflinching realism yet without explicit condemnation. The work presents war as a fateful, elemental force—a test of individual will and courage that the author often experiences with startling intensity, even exhilaration.
Die Wahlverwandtschaften
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Die Wahlverwandtschaften
"Die Wahlverwandtschaften" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a novel published in 1809. It tells the story of married couple Charlotte and Eduard, whose secluded life together unravels when two guests arrive at their estate. Like a chemical reaction, new attractions form: Charlotte drawn to the capable Captain Otto, Eduard to the young and quietly charming Ottilie. The conflict between desire and reason spirals into chaos, leading toward tragic consequences in this work exploring passion, duty, and renunciation.
Der Fremde: Ein Gleichniss
Hans von Kahlenberg
Der Fremde: Ein Gleichniss
"Der Fremde: Ein Gleichniss" by Hans von Kahlenberg is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story provides a reflection on the human condition, particularly focusing on the struggles of the poor, set against the backdrop of a bleak Christmas Eve. The narrative centers around two handworkers, Richard and Fritz, as they journey toward Berlin in search of work and a better life, embodying themes of hope and despair amidst their challenging circumstances. At the start of the novel, the setting conveys a somber atmosphere characterized by dreary weather and a desolate landscape, reflecting the internal turmoil of the characters. As Richard and Fritz make their way along a muddy road, they converse about their fears and hopes for the future, with Richard naïvely optimistic and Fritz more cynical due to his life's harsh experiences. Their journey takes a poignant turn when they encounter a mysterious stranger who engages with them, offering comfort and a sense of humanity amidst their despair. The scene highlights the stark contrasts between innocence and experience, warmth and cold, and the burden of poverty that envelops the characters' lives, setting the tone for the unfolding moral allegory.
Das Urteil: Eine Geschichte
Franz Kafka
Das Urteil: Eine Geschichte
"Das Urteil: Eine Geschichte" by Franz Kafka is a novella written in 1912. Georg Bendemann, a successful merchant's son about to marry, writes to his struggling friend in St. Petersburg. When Georg shows the letter to his bedridden father, a shocking confrontation erupts. The father challenges everything Georg believes about his life, his business success, and his fiancée. Their dispute escalates toward a devastating judgment that will force Georg to choose between his father's authority and his own existence.
Der Untertan
Heinrich Mann
Der Untertan
"Der Untertan" by Heinrich Mann is a novel written in 1914. It traces the life of Diederich Heßling, a fictional opportunist who climbs the social ladder in Imperial Germany under Wilhelm II. Mann crafts a sharp satire of authoritarian personality types, depicting Heßling as a coward who tyrannizes those below him while eagerly submitting to power above. The novel critiques nationalist fervor and the mentality that would lead to World War I, contrasting Heßling with Buck, an aging revolutionary witnessing liberalism's collapse.
Geschwister Tanner
Robert Walser
Geschwister Tanner
"Geschwister Tanner" by Robert Walser is a novel written in 1906. Twenty-year-old Simon Tanner drifts through jobs and life, searching for his place in the world. He moves from bank clerk to bookseller to nurse, rejecting stability and security. His accomplished siblings—a teacher, a scholar, a painter, and a brother in an asylum—watch as Simon embraces aimlessness over ambition. Through encounters with lovers, employers, and family, he chooses the present moment over any promised future.
Siddhartha: eine indische Dichtung
Hermann Hesse
Siddhartha: eine indische Dichtung
"Siddhartha: eine indische Dichtung" by Hermann Hesse is a novel published in 1922. It follows a young Brahmin's quest for spiritual enlightenment during the time of the Buddha. Rejecting both ascetic deprivation and material wealth, Siddhartha embarks on a solitary journey through love, loss, and ultimately, the wisdom of a river. This lyrical tale explores whether true understanding comes from teachings or lived experience, and what it means to find completeness in an ever-changing world.
Wunderbare Reise des kleinen Nils Holgersson mit den Wildgänsen: Ein Kinderbuch
Selma Lagerlöf
Wunderbare Reise des kleinen Nils Holgersson mit den Wildgänsen: Ein Kinderbuch
"Wunderbare Reise des kleinen Nils Holgersson mit den Wildgänsen: Ein Kinderbuch" by Selma Lagerlöf is a novel first published in 1906/1907. Fourteen-year-old Nils Holgersson, a cruel and lazy farm boy, is transformed into a tiny elf as punishment. He flies across Sweden on the back of a domestic goose traveling with wild geese, experiencing adventures while learning about his country's geography, history, and culture. Through his journey, Nils must prove himself morally and earn his way back to humanity.
Der Tod in Venedig
Thomas Mann
Der Tod in Venedig
"Der Tod in Venedig" by Thomas Mann is a novella written in 1911. It tells the story of Gustav von Aschenbach, a celebrated writer in his fifties who travels to Venice for rest. There, he becomes fascinated by a beautiful young boy staying at his hotel. As Aschenbach surrenders to his late-life infatuation, he abandons the strict discipline that defined his existence. Meanwhile, a cholera epidemic secretly spreads through the city, setting the stage for what Mann called "the tragedy of a degradation."
Die Biene Maja und ihre Abenteuer
Waldemar Bonsels
Die Biene Maja und ihre Abenteuer
"Die Biene Maja und ihre Abenteuer" by Waldemar Bonsels is a children's book published in 1912. The story follows Maya, a young bee who commits the unforgivable crime of leaving her hive to explore the world. During her adventures in exile, she befriends other insects and faces numerous dangers. When Maya is captured by hornets and discovers their plot to attack her home, she must make a difficult choice: return and face punishment while saving her hive, or remain silent and preserve her freedom.
Ecce homo, Wie man wird, was man ist
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Ecce homo, Wie man wird, was man ist
"Ecce homo, Wie man wird, was man ist" by Friedrich Nietzsche is a philosophical work written in 1888. In this audacious self-examination, Nietzsche offers his own interpretation of his life, works, and significance through provocatively titled chapters like "Why I Am So Wise" and "Why I Write Such Good Books." Part philosophical defense, part self-portrait, the book presents Nietzsche's vision of what it means to become who you truly are, while reviewing his major works and challenging conventional morality and Christianity with characteristic boldness.
Die Leiden des jungen Werther — Band 1
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Die Leiden des jungen Werther — Band 1
"Die Leiden des jungen Werther — Band 1" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is an epistolary novel published in 1774. Young legal clerk Werther falls deeply in love with Lotte, who is engaged to another man. Through letters, he chronicles his passionate feelings and growing despair as he struggles with this impossible love. The novel draws on Goethe's own experiences and became an immediate bestseller, establishing him as a literary sensation across Europe and cementing its place among the most successful novels in literary history.
Die Verwirrungen des Zöglings Törleß
Robert Musil
Die Verwirrungen des Zöglings Törleß
"Die Verwirrungen des Zöglings Törleß" by Robert Musil is a novel published in 1906. At a boarding school in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, young Törleß and two classmates discover another student stealing. Instead of reporting him, they keep it secret to torment and control him. While his companions inflict physical cruelty, Törleß seeks deeper psychological understanding. Caught between rational thought and mystical impulses, between bourgeois morality and darker fascinations, he struggles to comprehend the hidden workings of the human soul.
Kleine Dichtungen
Robert Walser
Kleine Dichtungen
"Kleine Dichtungen" by Robert Walser is a collection of short stories and pieces written in the early 20th century. The work reflects on themes of individuality, society, and the beauty of simple moments, often through the lens of a contemplative narrator. The stories frequently explore the inner thoughts and desires of characters, providing a rich and intimate understanding of their experiences. At the start of the collection, the narrator engages in a letter to an admirer, detailing his unconventional nature and discomfort with societal norms. He humorously declines the request for a meeting, explaining his preference for the simplicity and authenticity of life outside the polished salons of the social elite. This sets the tone for the subsequent stories, which convey a sense of longing and introspection, portraying everyday experiences—such as a midday break under an apple tree and reflections on beauty found in nature. The initial pieces suggest a focus on the contrasts between societal expectations and personal desires, hinting at a deeper exploration of existential themes throughout the collection.
Ein Landarzt: Kleine Erzählungen
Franz Kafka
Ein Landarzt: Kleine Erzählungen
"Ein Landarzt: Kleine Erzählungen" by Franz Kafka is a collection of short stories published in 1920. The title story follows an elderly country doctor summoned on a winter night to treat a gravely ill patient. When his horse dies, mysterious steeds and a threatening stranger appear, propelling him into a nightmarish journey. Torn between professional duty and personal loss, the doctor confronts an incurable wound and hostile villagers. His desperate attempt to return home becomes an endless, freezing ordeal through darkness.
Königliche Hoheit: Roman
Thomas Mann
Königliche Hoheit: Roman
"Königliche Hoheit: Roman" by Thomas Mann is a novel published in 1909. It follows Prince Klaus Heinrich, born with a physical disability, as he grows up in a financially troubled fictional German grand duchy. Isolated by his royal status and carefully groomed for ceremonial duties, the prince lives a life of symbolic existence rather than genuine human connection. His story intertwines personal development with political necessity when he falls in love with Imma Spoelmann, a wealthy heiress considered beneath his station, whose fortune may save both his heart and his struggling state.
Effi Briest
Theodor Fontane
Effi Briest
"Effi Briest" by Theodor Fontane is a realist novel published in 1895. Seventeen-year-old Effi is married off to Baron von Innstetten, a man twenty years her senior who once courted her mother. Isolated in a remote Pomeranian town while her husband travels frequently, the lonely young woman finds solace in the attentions of Major Crampas. This tale of marriage, adultery, and social judgment explores the tragic consequences when personal desire collides with rigid societal expectations in nineteenth-century Germany.
Italienische Reise — Band 1
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Italienische Reise — Band 1
"Italienische Reise — Band 1" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a travel account written between 1813 and 1817, describing his Italian journey from September 1786 to May 1788. Fleeing artistic stagnation and court life in Weimar, Goethe traveled incognito through Italy, seeking renewal among ancient ruins and Renaissance masterpieces. Based on his travel diaries but heavily revised decades later, the work chronicles his route from Karlsbad through Venice to Rome, where he immersed himself in art and antiquity while grappling with his dual existence as poet and statesman.
Der Dichter in Dollarica
Ernst von Wolzogen
Der Dichter in Dollarica
"Der Dichter in Dollarica" by Ernst von Wolzogen is a travel narrative and cultural commentary written in the early 20th century. The work reflects on the author's experiences and observations during his travels in the United States, particularly after being invited by the Germanistic Society of America to give lectures across various universities. At its core, the book discusses the American character, societal norms, and cultural quirks, blending humor with critical analysis. The opening of the book sets the stage for an exploration of American life from the perspective of a European traveler. Von Wolzogen expresses a blend of admiration and critique, noting the hospitality he received while also reflecting on the cultural differences he perceives. He acknowledges the challenge of accurately representing his impressions of America, suggesting that the rapid transformations he observed may be overlooked by those accustomed to the country. The author emphasizes that his observations, while drawn from personal experience, are not intended to be taken as definitive truths but rather as the subjective perspectives of a poet inspired by the land and its people.
Tonio Kröger
Thomas Mann
Tonio Kröger
"Tonio Kröger" by Thomas Mann is a novella written in 1901. The story follows a man caught between two worlds: his merchant father's bourgeois respectability and his artistic mother's creative spirit. As Tonio grows from schoolboy to celebrated writer, he struggles with feeling both superior to and envious of ordinary people's innocent vitality. His journey from south to north Germany forces him to confront a troubling question: must the artist always remain an outsider to respectable society? Mann explores the costs of artistic life through this deeply autobiographical portrait.
Nachtstücke
E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann
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.
Frau Bovary
Gustave Flaubert
Frau Bovary
"Frau Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert is a novel published in 1856-1857. Emma Bovary, a young woman trapped in provincial life, yearns for luxury and romance inspired by her beloved novels. Married to a modest country doctor, she seeks escape through infatuation and affairs while accumulating devastating debts. This seminal work of literary realism sparked an obscenity trial that made it notorious before becoming a bestseller and one of the most influential novels in history.
Der Spaziergang
Robert Walser
Der Spaziergang
"Der Spaziergang" by Robert Walser is a narrative written in 1916 and published in 1917. The story follows a writer-narrator through encounters during a seemingly simple walk that leads both into the woods and to practical errands at the bank and tax office. Through meetings with strangers, reflections on nature, and observations of everyday details, the tale explores themes of perception, economic precarity, and the creative life. Walser's associative style elevates the trivial while addressing deeper questions through seeming casualness.
Die Harzreise
Heinrich Heine
Die Harzreise
"Die Harzreise" by Heinrich Heine is a travel account written in 1824 and published in 1826. It chronicles Heine's wandering through the Harz mountains as a Göttingen student, blending traditional travel narrative with sharp satire. He mocks academic traditions and small-town philistinism while contrasting the commercialized Brocken mountain tourism with the pristine Ilse valley. Through encounters with locals and lyrical interludes, Heine explores folk tales and legends, creating a witty commentary on contemporary literary and social culture that became his first major success.
Professor Unrat, oder, Das Ende eines Tyrannen
Heinrich Mann
Professor Unrat, oder, Das Ende eines Tyrannen
"Professor Unrat, oder, Das Ende eines Tyrannen" by Heinrich Mann is a novel written between 1903 and 1904. It tells the story of Professor Raat, a tyrannical teacher nicknamed "Unrat" by his students and townspeople. When he discovers his pupils visiting a cabaret dancer named Rosa Fröhlich, he intends to confront her. Instead, he falls under her spell, abandoning his rigid principles and respectable position. What begins as obsession leads to marriage, financial ruin, and ultimately revenge against the society that scorned him.
Lebensansichten des Katers Murr nebst fragmentarischer Biographie des Kapellmeisters Johannes Kreisler in zufälligen Makulaturblättern
E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann
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.
Die Weise von Liebe und Tod des Cornets Christoph Rilke
Rainer Maria Rilke
Die Weise von Liebe und Tod des Cornets Christoph Rilke
"Die Weise von Liebe und Tod des Cornets Christoph Rilke" by Rainer Maria Rilke is a short narrative written in 1899. An eighteen-year-old nobleman rides to Hungary to fight the invading Turks in 1663. He becomes a cornet, a flag bearer, and experiences friendship, love, and honor. When the castle where he stays is attacked and set ablaze, he must choose between safety and duty. The lyrical prose explores themes of youth, longing, love, and death.
Caspar Hauser; oder, Die Trägheit des Herzens, Roman
Jakob Wassermann
Caspar Hauser; oder, Die Trägheit des Herzens, Roman
"Caspar Hauser; oder, Die Trägheit des Herzens, Roman" by Jakob Wassermann is a historical novel published in 1908. The story follows the final six years of the mysterious foundling Caspar Hauser's life in Nürnberg and Ansbach. A young man appears with no language and no past, possessing supernatural abilities. As various guardians attempt to educate and protect him, shadowy figures send assassins to eliminate him. The novel explores questions of noble birth, human nature, and the forces working against an innocent caught in political intrigue.
Der kleine Herr Friedemann: Novellen
Thomas Mann
Der kleine Herr Friedemann: Novellen
"Der kleine Herr Friedemann: Novellen" by Thomas Mann is a collection published in 1898. The title novella follows Johannes Friedemann, a man with a physical deformity who builds a carefully ordered life based on renunciation and small pleasures. For thirty years, he maintains emotional distance from romantic love. His fragile equilibrium shatters when Gerda von Rinnlingen, the young wife of a wealthy officer, arrives in town and awakens long-suppressed desires that threaten to destroy everything he has constructed.
Durch Wüste und Harem Gesammelte Reiseromane, Band I
Karl May
Durch Wüste und Harem Gesammelte Reiseromane, Band I
"Durch Wüste und Harem" by Karl May is a travel novel written in the late 19th century. The book presents a thrilling adventure set in the North African desert where the protagonist, accompanied by his devoted servant Halef Omar, embarks on a journey that is rich in exploration and cultural encounters. As they traverse the harsh landscapes, they encounter thrilling events, including murder and a quest for justice, which sets the stage for the unfolding narrative. The opening of this work introduces us to the lead character and his companion as they traverse the desert. The story begins with a tense dialogue between the protagonist and Halef, who is passionate about converting him to Islam. Their journey quickly takes a dark turn when they discover a murdered man, prompting a pursuit of the killers. As they navigate the challenges of the desert, they grapple with moral and existential questions sparked by their encounters, illustrating the underlying themes of faith and integrity in the face of danger. The initial chapters establish a gripping setting and dynamic characters, promising an engaging adventure ahead.
Katharina von Bora: Geschichtliches Lebensbild
Albrecht Thoma
Katharina von Bora: Geschichtliches Lebensbild
"Katharina von Bora: Geschichtliches Lebensbild" by Albrecht Thoma is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The text delves into the life of Katharina von Bora, the wife of Martin Luther, exploring her background, early life in a convent, and her significant role in the reformative era alongside her husband. The book aims to shine a light on a woman whose contributions have often been overshadowed by her husband's prominence. The opening of the narrative introduces Katharina von Bora's family history and the socio-political context of 16th-century Saxony, incorporating details about her early life and upbringing. It emphasizes the humble beginnings of her family and her entry into the convent at a young age, which was common for girls of her social status during that era. Thoma outlines the daily life in the convent, highlighting the strict religious rules and the challenges faced, foreshadowing her later actions, including her flight from the convent and eventual marriage to Luther. The beginning positions Katharina not only as a supportive partner but as a character of intrinsic complexity shaped by her experiences and the historical landscape surrounding her.
Ein Hungerkünstler
Franz Kafka
Ein Hungerkünstler
"Ein Hungerkünstler" by Franz Kafka is a short story first published in 1922. It follows a hunger artist who performs his craft in a cage before captivated audiences, fasting for days while spectators watch. Though hunger artistry comes naturally to him, he suffers from profound misunderstanding—his impresario limits his fasts, and audiences doubt his authenticity. As public interest fades, he joins a circus, where he continues his art in obscurity. The story explores the isolation of the artist and the unbridgeable gap between creator and audience.
In der Strafkolonie
Franz Kafka
In der Strafkolonie
"In der Strafkolonie" by Franz Kafka is a story written in October 1914 and published in 1919. A traveling researcher visits a remote penal colony where he witnesses an elaborate execution machine designed by the former commandant. The apparatus tortures condemned prisoners for hours by inscribing their violated commandment into their flesh. As the officer demonstrates this brutal justice system, he seeks the researcher's support to preserve it against growing opposition. The demonstration takes an unexpected turn that leads to the researcher's hasty departure from the island.
Eingeschneit: Eine Studentengeschichte
Emil Frommel
Eingeschneit: Eine Studentengeschichte
"Eingeschneit: Eine Studentengeschichte" by Emil Frommel is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the humorous travels of three university students from Erlangen who embark on an adventure to explore the world, particularly to verify the professor's assertion that the Earth is round. The tale leans into the themes of camaraderie, youthful exuberance, and the exploration of life beyond academia. The opening of the narrative introduces the students as they prepare for their journey, showcasing their diverse personalities and musical talents. Their financial situation is meager, leading them to adopt a lighthearted approach to their travels, relying on their wit and friendship to navigate obstacles. As they set off, they encounter various characters, including a solitary Englishman planning a trip to the continent and a newlywed couple, setting the stage for encounters that will unfold during their journey. This light-hearted beginning hints at the humorous misadventures and broader social interactions that are expected to follow as they navigate the challenges of their travels.
Der Großinquisitor
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Der Großinquisitor
"Der Großinquisitor" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a philosophical parable written between 1878-1880 as part of his novel *The Brothers Karamazov*. In this profound chapter, one brother recounts an imagined encounter between Christ and the Grand Inquisitor during the Spanish Inquisition. The confrontation raises devastating questions about human freedom, faith, and authority. Through this dramatic dialogue, Dostoyevsky explores whether humanity truly desires the freedom Christ offers, or if people prefer comfortable submission to earthly power.
Ausgewählte Schriften
Heinrich von Kleist
Ausgewählte Schriften
"Ausgewählte Schriften" by Heinrich von Kleist is a collection of selected works written in the early 19th century. This anthology includes various short stories, showcasing themes of human experience such as suffering, conflict, and the supernatural, with notable pieces like "Das Bettelweib von Locarno" and "Das Erdbeben in Chili" highlighting moral dilemmas and societal critique. The opening of the collection introduces the first story, "Das Bettelweib von Locarno," set against the backdrop of an ancient castle near Locarno in the Italian Alps. The narrative begins with a sickly beggar woman who, out of compassion, is taken in by a Marchese’s family but tragically dies after being ordered to move. Years later, as the Marchese faces financial ruin and attempts to sell the castle, a knight staying in the same room reports terrifying ghostly occurrences related to the beggar woman's death. The Marchese, skeptical at first, soon undergoes a chilling experience that compels him and his wife to confront the frightening truth of their castle's tragic past, culminating in disaster as he sets the castle ablaze in despair. This opening sets the tone for Kleist's exploration of fate, societal norms, and the human psyche.
Ein Kampf um Rom: Historischer Roman. Erster Band
Felix Dahn
Ein Kampf um Rom: Historischer Roman. Erster Band
"Ein Kampf um Rom: Historischer Roman. Erster Band" by Felix Dahn is a historical novel published in 1876. This sweeping epic chronicles the struggle of the Ostroths against the Eastern Roman Empire in Italy, from the death of Theoderic the Great to their final destruction in 552. Through complex characters torn by inner conflicts and grand political intrigue, Dahn weaves a tragic tale of heroism, betrayal, and the inevitable decline of a people displaced from their northern origins in the Mediterranean south.
Rückblicke
Walter Grünfeld
Rückblicke
"Rückblicke" by Walter Grünfeld is a memoir likely written in the late 20th century, reflecting on the author's early life in Silesia, particularly Katowice, and the complex historical backdrop of his upbringing. The narrative touches on significant themes such as national identity, ethnicity, and cultural dynamics in a region marked by German and Polish influences, particularly from the perspective of Jewish heritage. The beginning of the memoir vividly details the author's childhood memories of Katowice and the surrounding industrial regions, framed within his family's history and the broader socio-political context of the time. It describes the landscape filled with coal mines and steel production that shaped daily life while providing insight into personal and familial experiences. The author recalls his impressions of the community dynamics, including interactions with both Polish and German speakers, his family's place within the burgeoning industrial society, and the early signals of the political upheavals that would characterize the region through World War I and beyond. There is also a focus on the warmth of family life amid these changing circumstances, hinting at the profound impacts of the historical events that would ultimately converge in the author's life.
Aus meinem Leben
Paul von Hindenburg
Aus meinem Leben
"Aus meinem Leben" by Paul von Hindenburg is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a memoir reflecting on the life of Hindenburg, particularly during significant military and political events in Germany’s history, especially his experiences in military service. It offers insights into his thoughts and feelings as he navigated his duties and the challenges faced during pivotal moments for the German Empire. At the start of this memoir, Hindenburg shares his early life experiences, delving into his youthful ambition to become a soldier, which was deeply rooted in family tradition. He recounts emotional moments such as bidding farewell to his father as he entered the Cadet Corps, establishing his military aspirations and the influence of his upbringing in a military family. Hindenburg also reflects on his education and the formative experiences that shaped his character and readiness for a life of service, including the values instilled by his parents and the rigorous military training he endured. This opening sets the stage for a detailed exploration of his military career and the broader historical context within which he operated.
Italienische Reise — Band 2
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Italienische Reise — Band 2
"Italienische Reise — Band 2" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a travel account written between 1813 and 1817, describing his journey through Italy from September 1786 to May 1788. Fleeing artistic stagnation and court duties in Weimar, Goethe traveled incognito as a "German painter," seeking renewal among Italy's art and ancient ruins. This autobiographical work, based on his travel diaries but extensively reworked, chronicles his transformative months in Rome, Naples, Sicily, and beyond, capturing his overwhelming encounters with classical civilization.
Sämtliche Werke 14 : $b Arme Leute; Der Doppelgänger : Zwei Romane
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Sämtliche Werke 14 : $b Arme Leute; Der Doppelgänger : Zwei Romane
"Arme Leute" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story unfolds through a series of letters exchanged between Makar Alexejewitsch Djewuschkin and Warwara Alexejewna Dobrosseloff, two impoverished individuals navigating the struggles of life in St. Petersburg. This poignant epistolary tale explores themes of love, loneliness, and social class, reflecting Dostoyevsky's deep psychological insight and acute observation of human relationships. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Makar Djewuschkin, who expresses his joy over a small gesture from Warwara, indicating a budding connection between them. They share their everyday lives filled with hardship and a longing for affection, as Makar finds solace in the thought of Warwara despite their grim circumstances. The opening portion establishes a tone that mixes warmth with melancholy, showcasing their tender exchanges and the stark realities they face, setting the stage for a deeper examination of their relationship and the societal challenges that afflict them.
Die Aufzeichnungen des Malte Laurids Brigge
Rainer Maria Rilke
Die Aufzeichnungen des Malte Laurids Brigge
"Die Aufzeichnungen des Malte Laurids Brigge" by Rainer Maria Rilke is a novel written during the early 20th century. The narrative is centered around Malte Laurids Brigge, a young poet grappling with feelings of alienation and existential angst as he navigates life in Paris. The novel delves into themes of death, the search for identity, and the complexities of human experience. At the start of the book, the protagonist reflects on the struggles faced by those sensitive to their own development and warns against drawing parallels between their lives and the entries in his writings. His observations of city life include encounters with the ill and pregnant women, emphasizing a pervasive sense of mortality and the myriad of human experiences. As he describes his surroundings, including the sounds and smells of the city, Malte becomes increasingly aware of his internal transformation and the passage of time. He grapples with the concept of death, both personally and within the context of societal indifference, questioning notions of identity and human connection. This opening portion sets the tone for a deep exploration of existential themes through Malte's introspective lens.
Betrachtung
Franz Kafka
Betrachtung
"Betrachtung" by Franz Kafka is a collection of eighteen short stories written between 1904 and 1912. These brief contemplations mark Kafka's first published book, capturing fleeting moments of childhood wonder, social anxiety, sudden awakenings, and the masks people wear. Through unnamed narrators and ambiguous encounters, Kafka explores the tension between innocence and awareness, authenticity and performance. Each miniature tale offers a glimpse into the peculiar consciousness that would define his later work—where ordinary situations reveal unexpected depths of alienation and self-discovery.