Showing results for "Adelbert von Chamisso" in History

Peter Schlemihl is an ordinary man until one day he bargains with the devil: He trades his shadow for a bottomless purse. While this sounds like a good idea at first, it turns out that having no shadow is considered to be so strange by society, that even unlimited wealth cannot repair such a fault. The story of Peter Schlemihl is exceedingly well-known even today, but the original text is not so widely-read as it once was. This very accessible translation by F.H. Hedge may be a good introduction to modern listeners. - Summary by Carolin

In Peter Schlemihl, the luckless hero enters into a deal with a mysterious stranger, only to learn, that he dealt with the proverbial. He soon discovers that wealth can't buy respectability. It’s a tale as darkly funny as it is sharp, reminding us that some things in life (like dignity and not creeping people out) are priceless. - Summary by Antipode

Join us on a captivating journey into the life of Peter Schlemihl, an ordinary man who makes a fateful deal with the devil trading his shadow for a bottomless purse. Initially, this seems like a dream come true, but Peter soon discovers that being without a shadow makes him an outcast in society, and no amount of wealth can mend that rift. Though the story of Peter Schlemihl remains a classic, the original text has faded from popular reading. This accessible translation by F.H. Hedge offers a fresh introduction for modern listeners seeking to explore this timeless tale. - Summary by Carolin