Jakob Wassermann Libri

"Non serve vivere per loro, morire per loro. Dicono: è un ebreo". Questo scriveva, nella prima metà del XX secolo, Jakob Wassermann, uno dei più affermati scrittori di lingua tedesca, nel saggio autobiografico "Mein Weg als Deutscher und Jude. Era tedesco, era ebreo - "l'una cosa in modo intenso e completo come l'altra, l'una inscindibile dall'altra". Ma nel mondo in cui viveva essere l'uno e l'altro insieme gli era interdetto. "E come se solo presso i morti si potesse trovare giustizia dai vivi. Perché ciò che questi fanno è assolutamente intollerabile". Un libro di accusa radicale, pubblicato per la prima volta nel 1921, dodici anni prima che in Germania i nazisti prendessero il potere e con ciò iniziasse lo sterminio degli ebrei d'Europa.

Nel 1828 un giovane sconosciuto comparve in una piazza di Norimberga. Con un linguaggio stentato e ridotto ai minimi termini, intimorito dal mondo e privo di una qualsiasi istruzione, il ragazzo rifiutò cure e cibo, nutrendosi a lungo solo di acqua e pane. Fu un caso di cronaca misterioso su cui si accese la curiosità popolare. Il conte Stanhope si interessò a lui e nel 1831 lo fece scortare ad Ansbach per completare gli studi, ma lì egli venne assassinato in circostanze sospette due anni dopo, continuando in tal modo ad alimentare il suo mito. La vicenda di Caspar Hauser fu così enigmatica e clamorosa che stimolò la fantasia creativa negli anni a venire, ispirando romanzi, saggi, ricerche e film. Molti ipotizzarono che fosse un principe della famiglia regnante Baden, vittima di oscuri intrighi dinastici; altri pensarono a lui come a un impostore. Wassermann abbracciò la tesi del principe e la pose al centro della sua finzione letteraria per scrivere uno dei capolavori della narrativa tedesca, paragonato al Candido di Voltaire e a L’idiota di Dostoevskij.

The book highlights the scarcity and rising costs of early 20th-century literature, emphasizing the value of classic works. It focuses on the effort to republish these timeless texts in affordable, high-quality modern editions, preserving the original content and artwork for contemporary readers.

'If you don't take me, I'm going to jump into the lake; I swear I will. Either you're going to marry me, or I'll jump!' Alexander Herzog, a young writer, goes to Vienna to escape his debts and a failed love affair. There he is pursued by book-loving Ganna- giddy, girlish, clumsy, eccentric and wild. Dazzled and unnerved by her devotion to him, and attracted to the large dowry offered by her wealthy father, he thinks he can mould Ganna into what he wants. But no-one can control her troubling passions. As their marriage starts to self-destruct, Herzog will discover that Ganna has resources and determination of which he had no idea - and that he can never escape her. Posthumously published in 1934 and based on Wassermann's own ruinous marriage, My First Wifebears the unmistakable aura of true and bitter experience. It is a tragic masterpiece that unfolds in shocking detail. Now this story of rare intensity and drama is brought to English readers in a powerful new translation by Michael Hofmann.

Immerse yourself in the world of 19th century Berlin with this classic novel by Jakob Wassermann. Christian Wahnschaffe is a sweeping epic of love and loss, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. With richly drawn characters and intricate plotting, this book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

In this powerful and poetic novel, the acclaimed writers Jakob Wassermann and Ludwig Lewisohn explore the complex and often conflicting nature of love, desire, and the human soul. Set against the backdrop of fin de siècle Vienna, The World's Illusion is a haunting and unforgettable masterpiece of modernist literature that will captivate readers with its depth, beauty, and emotional potency.

Volume 2, subtitled Ruth, continues the story of the protagonists Friedrich von Tornefeld and Ruth, who represent different aspects of the human experience. Ruth is a talented and independent woman who marries Friedrich, a high-ranking officer and a man of wealth and privilege. The novel shifts focus from the public and societal issues of the first volume to the personal and intimate struggles between the characters, especially in their marriage.As Ruth grows increasingly disillusioned with the superficiality of high society, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The relationship between Ruth and Friedrich becomes strained as their ideals and desires clash, reflecting larger philosophical and existential questions about the meaning of life, love, and individual fulfillment. The novel’s critique of materialism and the corrupting nature of power becomes more focused on the emotional and psychological toll it takes on personal relationships.

Originally published in 1873, this reprint offers a glimpse into the historical context and themes of the era. It captures the essence of its time through its narrative, characters, and societal reflections, providing readers with a rich, authentic experience of the period. The book's enduring relevance and charm continue to resonate, making it a valuable addition to any literary collection.

Exploring a range of themes, this collection showcases the diverse storytelling prowess of Jakob Wassermann, a prominent German-Jewish writer. The narratives delve into human experiences and moral dilemmas, featuring characters like Franziska and historical figures such as Geronimo de Aguilar. Each story reflects Wassermann's keen insight into society and the human condition, blending elements of fantasy, history, and psychological depth. The work stands as a testament to his literary legacy and the rich tapestry of early 20th-century storytelling.