The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 12

This volume gathers two of the most influential German realist writers of the 19th century, presenting their stories, biographies and selected sketches in fresh English translation. By pairing the literary output of Gustav Freytab and Theodor Fontane with vivid illustrations from the painter Adolph von Menzel, the collection offers a multi‑sensory portrait of the era’s cultural life.

Freytab’s celebrated comedy The Journalists showcases his wry, Dickens‑like humor, while his historical sketches weave scholarly detail into charming narrative. The accompanying biography situates his prolific career within the broader German literary scene. Fontane contributes the early‑modern novel Effi Briest, a nuanced study of personal freedom and societal expectations, alongside poignant excerpts from his memoir My Childhood Days and a selection of shorter tales.

The accompanying plates—court balls, flute‑playing Frederick the Great, bustling street scenes—bring the texts to life, allowing listeners to hear the words while visualizing the world that shaped them.