Army-Chaplain Schmelzle's Journey to Flaetz / Life of Quintus Fixlein

by Jean Paul

Description

Thomas Carlyle's preoccupation with German literature and the German spirit, beginning in 1819, had acquainted him with two creative giants, Goethe and Schiller, motivating him to translate Wilhelm Meister and to write his Life of Schiller. But then he discovered another great figure, even closer to his heart: Jean Paul Friedrich Richter. The study of Richter's works developed into a very personal encounter. Carlyle even adopted Jean Paul's mannerisms in his own style, and all of this had a show more decisive impact on the content, structure and style of Sartor Resartus (1833). Wulf Koepke's introduction places Jean Paul in the context of the English-speaking world of the mid-19th century. show less

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markbstephenson 164 reviews

Carlyle's introductory essay is very interesting. The story, a spoof of 18th century German mores, features the pusillanimous title protagonist, full of book-learning but sadly wanting in street wisdom, who manages to turn a fairly normal (albeit unsuccessful) office-seeking trip into what seems to him an epic romantic adventure. The first I've read of this writer who is reported to have been a great favourite of Gustav Mahler.

Jul 6, 2010

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