Specimens of German Romance; Vol. II. Master Flea

Name: Specimens of German Romance; Vol. II. Master Flea
Author: E. T. A. Hoffmann

By E. T. A. Hoffmann

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German Literature Science-Fiction & Fantasy

About This Book

A frame narrative centers on Peregrine Tyss, a melancholy, middle-aged man whose reverie over childhood toys at a Christmas display exposes social awkwardness and eccentric appetites. Interleaved episodes introduce a man who educates fleas to perform tricks, a tragic princess, an inept genius named Thetel whose microscopic experiments border on the bizarre, and the romantic mishaps of a young student. The collection mixes fantasy, satire, and the grotesque in episodic vignettes that alternate whimsical invention with darker, uncanny undertones and playful examinations of science, art, and human folly.

About the Author

E. T. A. Hoffmann

E. T. A. Hoffmann was a German author, composer, and jurist, known for his contributions to the early Romantic movement in literature. His works often blend the fantastical with the psychological, exploring themes of the uncanny and the surreal. Hoffmann's notable works include "The Devil's Elixir," a tale that delves into the duality of human nature, and "The Serapion Brethren," which showcases his unique narrative style and imaginative storytelling. His influence extends beyond literature into music and the visual arts, making him a pivotal figure in the cultural landscape of the 19th century.