The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 08Masterpieces of German Literature Translated into English

“The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 08” by Francke et al. is a collection of notable works from German literature written in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This volume is especially dedicated to the “Novel of Provincial Life,” showcasing different authors and their contributions that depict the rural landscape and the intricacies of village life, embodying the sentiments and social dynamics of their time. The opening of the collection introduces readers to Berthold Auerbach’s “Little Barefoot,” where two children, Amrei and Damie, embark on a bittersweet journey following the death of their parents. As they search for their father’s and mother’s presence, the narrative touches upon the sorrow of loss and the innocence of childhood amidst tragedy. The children explore their empty home and have poignant experiences that reveal their longing and the stark reality of their orphanhood. These themes of grief, resilience, and the harshness of life in a rural setting are central to their story, setting the tone for the other works that will follow in this significant volume.