Lucie Duff Gordon Libri

Reveals a woman of courage, humour and passion. - Kathleen Frank

Wilhelm Meinhold's Gothic romance Maria Schweidler: Die Bernsteinhexe (1844) was a seminal German text in the literary landscape of Victorian England. The 1846 English translation by Lady Duff Gordon, entitled The Amber Witch, enjoyed widespread popular success, and Meinhold's suspenseful tale of a guileless young woman, unjustly accused of witchcraft, was hailed as the leading German novel of its day. Written in the style of a seventeenth-century chronicle, the story appealed to a readership which identified in Meinhold's work echoes of Daniel Defoe, Oliver Goldsmith and Walter Scott. This volume makes available for the first time in a critical edition a literary translation which transformed the German text into a cult classic in English, and suggests ways in which this work resonated with trends in Victorian culture. Duff Gordon's accomplished rendering of what was perceived as an untranslatable text made Meinhold's novel accessible to new generations of readers. Affording an insight into the devastation of the Thirty Years' War and the superstition and miscarriages of justice which marked the peak of the witch-hunting period in Early Modern Europe, this translation should generate continuing momentum and impact for Meinhold's original German novel.

Featuring a unique blend of historical significance and literary merit, this volume explores the tale of Sidonia, a sorceress linked to the downfall of Pomerania's ducal house. Recognized for its importance throughout history, it has been meticulously reformatted and redesigned for clarity and readability. The book delves into themes prevalent in Germanic, Scandinavian, and Icelandic literatures, ensuring its relevance for both contemporary and future readers.

Set in 19th-century Egypt, this collection offers a rich portrayal of the country's culture and daily life through the eyes of a Victorian gentlewoman. Her insightful and empathetic observations provide a unique perspective on the social customs and landscapes of the time, reflecting both the beauty and challenges of Egyptian society. First published in 1875, these vivid descriptions invite readers to explore a historical context that blends personal experience with broader cultural insights.

This reprint preserves the original text from 1866, offering readers a glimpse into the historical context and themes of the time. It provides an opportunity to explore the language, ideas, and societal norms of the era as they were presented in the first edition. Readers can appreciate the timelessness of the narrative while gaining insight into the period's literary style.

This reprint preserves the essence of a classic first published in 1865, offering readers a chance to explore the themes and narratives that have stood the test of time. The book captures the historical context and cultural nuances of its era, inviting a new audience to engage with its timeless story and characters. It serves as both a nostalgic journey for those familiar with the original and an intriguing introduction for new readers.

The collection features letters from Lucie Duff Gordon, a British writer and fashion designer, chronicling her life in Egypt during the late 19th century. Written to family and friends, these letters offer a vivid account of Egyptian customs, traditions, and the socio-political landscape of the time. Through her observations, Lady Duff Gordon provides a unique perspective on the cultural transformation occurring in Egypt, reflecting both her personal experiences and the broader historical context of her era.

Focused on preserving cultural heritage, this hardcover volume is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS series, which revives classical literature spanning over two millennia. Many of these works have long been out of print, and the series aims to make them accessible once more. By reading these titles, readers contribute to the mission of saving significant literary works from being forgotten, ensuring that timeless stories continue to reach audiences around the globe.

Edward Gordon Duff (1863-1924) was a librarian and bibliographer with a particular interest in the early history of the printed book. This 1899 work examines the fifteenth-century book trade in London - its printers, booksellers and bookbinders - and shows how much it depended on European book importers and craftsmen.