Peter Schlemihl
- Downloads
- Under 100
- First published
- 1814
- Pages
- 68
About this book
A missing shadow makes ordinary social life impossible for Peter Schlemihl. In Adelbert von Chamisso's fable, this strange absence becomes a reason for distrust, even when Peter has money to offer. A servant refuses his gold, while Mina's father demands that he produce a shadow before his proposed marriage can proceed. Peter's attempts to explain away the loss bring the fantastic premise into the familiar world of household loyalty and family approval.
John Bowring's English translation includes introductory letters, verse, and plates by George Cruikshank. These frame the tale as a moral story while leaving its meaning for readers to consider. Peter's first-person account gives a close view of his embarrassment and strained defenses. The contrast between a seemingly trivial loss and its enormous social consequences offers a way to think about reputation, belonging, and the limits of wealth.
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About the author
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Book facts
- Author
- Adelbert von Chamisso
- First published
- 1814
- Reading time
- About 100 minutes
- Pages
- 68
- Language
- English
- Genre
- World Classics
- Formats
- PDF, EPUB, Read online