Tales from the German, Comprising specimens from the most celebrated authors

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Tales from the German, Comprising specimens from the most celebrated authors

(1 User reviews) 332

By Angela Green Posted on Jan 17, 2026

In Category - Extreme Travel

Authors: Published By :

Book Language: English

Hey, I just finished this fascinating old book called 'Tales from the German,' and I think you'd get a kick out of it. It's not one story, but a whole collection of German classics, all translated and bundled together in one volume. The author is listed as 'Unknown,' which just adds to the mystery. The main conflict here isn't in a single plot—it's the journey itself. You're stepping into a world of dark forests, haunted castles, and characters wrestling with fate, duty, and their own inner demons. One story might have you on the edge of your seat with a ghostly encounter, while the next breaks your heart with a simple, tragic love story. It's like finding a dusty, unlabeled box of chocolates in your attic—you never know what flavor you're going to get next, but each one is rich and surprisingly potent. If you're curious about where a lot of our modern fantasy and gothic horror tropes came from, this is like visiting the source. It's a direct line to the imaginations that shaped so much of the storytelling we love today.

File: Tales from the German, Comprising specimens from the most celebrated authors

Let's clear something up right away: this isn't a novel. Tales from the German is exactly what the title promises—a sampler platter of German literature from the 18th and 19th centuries. The 'Unknown' compiler gathered stories from giants like Goethe, Schiller, the Brothers Grimm, and others, translating them for an English-speaking audience. You won't find a continuous plot, but you will find a consistent mood—one of deep romance, stark tragedy, and often, a touch of the supernatural.

The Story

There is no single story. Instead, you open the book and take a tour. You might start with a chilling ballad by Bürger about a dead lover returning to claim his bride. Then, you could turn the page and be in the middle of a Goethe drama, watching a character make a devastating moral choice. Next, you might find yourself in a simpler, folkloric tale from the Grimms, where cleverness triumphs over brute force. Each piece is self-contained, offering a complete emotional arc in just a few pages. The 'conflict' shifts with every new author, from internal struggles of conscience to epic battles against spectral forces.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book because it feels like foundational material. Reading these stories, you can see the DNA of so much modern fiction. That brooding, conflicted hero? You'll meet his ancestor here. The haunted forest that feels alive? It's on full display. It's not always an easy read—the language is of its time—but it's incredibly rewarding. You get a real sense of the German Romantic spirit: its obsession with nature, its deep feeling, and its fascination with the darker sides of the human soul. It's less about passive entertainment and more about experiencing a powerful, raw emotion in each short burst.

Final Verdict

This one is perfect for curious readers who love classic literature, folklore, or gothic fiction. It's ideal if you enjoy short stories or want to dip your toes into German classics without committing to a massive novel like Faust. It's also a great pick for writers looking to understand the roots of fantasy and horror. If you prefer fast-paced, modern plots, this might feel slow. But if you're willing to settle in and let the atmosphere wash over you, Tales from the German is a unique and haunting journey into the heart of European storytelling.