The Marvellous History of the Shadowless Man, and The Cold Heart

audiobook

The Marvellous History of the Shadowless Man, and The Cold Heart

by Adelbert von Chamisso, Wilhelm Hauff

EN·~4 hours

Chapters

Description

A wandering traveler discovers a man who seems to have no shadow at all, a figure whose very presence draws curious crowds and strange, mud‑splattered encounters. As the narrator follows this enigmatic stranger through forests of ancient firs and mist‑laden heath, vivid scenes of restless longing and fleeting kindness unfold, hinting at a deeper mystery behind the absent silhouette. The early chapters blend lyrical description with moments of tension, inviting listeners to wonder what drives a being without a trace of darkness.

The companion tale shifts focus to Peter Munk, a restless soul caught between chance and fate in a stark, wintry landscape. Haunted by a “cold heart,” he navigates gambling rooms, pine groves, and uncanny confrontations with monstrous birds and looming figures. As Peter’s inner turmoil mirrors the harsh environment, the story teeters between suspense and introspection, offering a haunting portrait of a man seeking warmth in an unforgiving world.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~4 hours (236K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive

Release date

2010-05-02

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the authors

Adelbert von Chamisso

Adelbert von Chamisso

1781–1838

A French-born writer who became one of the memorable voices of German Romanticism, he is best known for the eerie tale Peter Schlemihl and for poems that later inspired many composers. His life also reached beyond literature: he was a serious botanist and took part in a scientific voyage around the world.

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Wilhelm Hauff

Wilhelm Hauff

1802–1827

Best remembered for his fairy tales and short, vivid novels, this early 19th-century German writer packed a remarkable amount into a very short life. His stories move easily between folklore, satire, and adventure, which helps explain why they still feel lively today.

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