Subject
Short stories, Russian -- Translations into German Books
Best books
Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol
Sämmtliche Werke 3: Abende auf dem Gutshof bei Dikanka; Phantastische Novellen
"Sämmtliche Werke 3: Abende auf dem Gutshof bei Dikanka; Phantastische Novellen" by Nikolai Gogol is a collection of short stories written between 1829-1832. Eight tales unfold through the voice of beekeeper Rudy Panko, blending Ukrainian folklore with supernatural elements. From enchanted villages to mysterious vengeances, these stories mingle horror and humor in vivid portraits of peasant life. Drawing on Gogol's childhood memories and his mother's accounts of village customs and superstitions, this groundbreaking collection established his distinctive style and launched his career in Russian literature.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Sämtliche Werke 20 : $b Aus dem Dunkel der Großstadt : Acht Novellen
"Sämtliche Werke 20 : Aus dem Dunkel der Großstadt : Acht Novellen" by Dostoyevsky is a collection of novellas written in the mid to late 19th century. The volume gathers eight Petersburg-centered tales of urban alienation and moral struggle, spotlighting clerks, students, and other castaways as they battle conscience, poverty, and the pressures of a rapidly modernizing city. The opening of the collection frames Dostoyevsky as the poet of the modern metropolis: an introductory essay contrasts the city’s feverish experimentation with the steadier life of the countryside and sets St. Petersburg as a tragic, artificial crucible of Russian destiny; a foreword then outlines the eight included works and explains the title choice. Immediately after, the first novella begins with the famous voice of an unnamed former civil servant in his “corner,” a self-lacerating, contradictory narrator who calls himself sick and spiteful. He recalls petty cruelties at his desk, admits that hyper-consciousness paralyzes action, and dissects the perverse “pleasure” found in humiliation, pain, and even toothache. He contrasts impulsive “men of action” with his own mouse-like inertia, invokes the “stone wall” of natural law, and launches a fierce attack on rational egoism and utopian schemes, insisting that humans will sometimes choose against their own interest simply to assert freedom.
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Der persische Orden und andere Grotesken
"Der persische Orden und andere Grotesken" by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores various themes of human behavior, societal norms, and the absurdities of life, often through the lens of humor and satire. Chekhov's stories often depict everyday situations that reveal deeper truths about characters and their motivations. In the titular story, "Der persische Orden," the mayor of a small town becomes obsessed with earning a prestigious Persian order after a visiting Persian dignitary arrives. His attempts to impress the visitor lead to a series of humorous misunderstandings, showcasing his absurdity and desperation for social recognition. Other stories in the collection, such as "Die Simulanten" and "Ein böser Junge," feature various characters grappling with their desires, societal expectations, and the follies of life. Throughout, Chekhov masterfully blends comedy with poignant observations about the human condition, resulting in a rich tapestry of narratives that resonate with timeless relevance.
M. A. (Mikhail Alekseevich) Kuzmin
Geschichten
"Geschichten" by M. A. Kuzmin is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The work appears to weave narratives centered around themes of love, desire, and social dynamics, featuring various characters, such as Aimé, Madame de Tombel, and a host of other intriguing figures intertwined in their emotional entanglements. The opening of the collection introduces several characters in a setting filled with social interactions and underlying tension. We are introduced to Aimé, who observes Madame de Tombel as she inexplicably wanders the garden earlier than her usual routine. The narrative then shifts to his curiosity about her guest, a relative arriving from Paris, and the impact her presence has on the household's dynamics. As the story unfolds, Aimé's thoughts intertwine with his interactions with other characters, revealing themes of unspoken affection, anticipation, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of everyday life. The exploration of relationships and emotions promises a deeper look into human experiences as the collection progresses.
Valery Yakovlevich Bryusov
Die Republik des Südkreuzes: Novellen
"Die Republik des Südkreuzes: Novellen" by Valery Yakovlevich Bryusov is a collection of fictional narratives written in the early 20th century. The central themes revolve around a dystopian society grappling with a mysterious and destructive epidemic that brings chaos to its capital, the Sternenstadt. The book combines elements of science fiction and social commentary, exploring deep psychological themes and the human psyche's fragility in the face of societal collapse. The opening of the work sets a somber tone as it describes the rise of the Republic of the South Cross from its steel industry origins and details its capital's technological advancements that mask underlying tyranny. As the narrative unfolds, reports emerge of a strange mental illness known as "mania contradicens," which causes victims to act against their true desires and leads to widespread societal breakdown. The stark contrast between the city's vibrant life and the encroaching madness paints a vivid picture of a civilization in decay. The protagonist's struggle against the maelstrom of insanity and the exploration of interpersonal relationships among the characters hint at deeper emotional and existential conflicts that define the human experience during crisis.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Sämtliche Werke 17 : $b Onkelchens Traum und andere Humoresken
"Sämtliche Werke 17 : Onkelchens Traum und andere Humoresken" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a collection of humorous stories written in the mid-19th century. The volume gathers comic and satirical pieces, with Uncle’s Dream leading a small‑town social farce about status, gossip, and matrimonial scheming. Its central figures include the domineering society queen Marja Alexandrowna, her beautiful daughter Sina, the glib suitor Pawel Mosgljakov, and the decrepit Prince K., whose arrival stirs intrigue and opportunity. The opening of the collection adds a brief foreword situating the first two comic tales alongside a later political satire, then launches into Uncle’s Dream. In the provincial town of Mordassoff, Marja Alexandrowna rules by fear and tact, while her amiable but useless husband is exiled to the estate and her celebrated daughter Sina faces whispered scandals. News erupts when the half-ruined Prince K.—a vain, over-cosmeticked relic now controlled by the managing Stepanida Matveyevna—suddenly appears at Marja Alexandrowna’s house after a roadside mishap, brought in by the chatty suitor Mosgljakov. A lively salon scene follows: Mosgljakov recounts the rescue, Sina coolly refuses to commit to his proposal, the addled prince misidentifies people and rambles charmingly, and Mosgljakov provocatively suggests marrying the prince to the clever widow Nastassja—an idea Marja Alexandrowna pointedly shuts down as the chapter closes with comic digressions about servants, ailments, and hydropathic cures.
Aleksei Remizov
Prinzessin Mymra: Novellen und Träume
"Prinzessin Mymra: Novellen und Träume" by Aleksei Remizov is a collection of novellas and dreams written in the early 20th century. This work captures the essence of Russian folklore and the complexities of human emotions, intertwined with surreal and dreamlike narratives. The collection revolves around various characters, including mysterious figures and common people, exploring themes of fate, loss, and the struggle against darkness. The opening of "Prinzessin Mymra" introduces a vivid and tumultuous world, beginning with a foreboding atmosphere as a black-winged mouse is born, inciting fear among the townsfolk who recognize it as the devil's child. A series of tragic events unfold, including the suicide of a mute boy and the murder of a girl, which evoke superstitions and dread among the community. Amidst these calamities, the people engage in discussions filled with paranoia about impending doom, showcasing their fears of an approaching disaster, symbolized by ominous celestial signs. As the narrative progresses, a significant fire devastates the town, leading to chaos, desperation, and a profound sense of loss, ultimately reflecting the fragility of life and the relentless grip of fate.
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