Stories by Foreign Authors: German — Volume 2

A modest yet resonant collection of German short fiction, this volume gathers four distinct voices from the eighteenth‑ and nineteenth‑centuries. The opening tale follows the beloved Leipzig professor Christian Gellert on the eve of Christmas, offering a gentle meditation on fame, humility, and the quiet power of a teacher’s words as he confronts his own sense of purpose. In a stark contrast, “A Ghetto Violet” paints a vivid portrait of urban hardship, while “The Severed Hand” introduces a chilling, suspense‑laden mystery that hints at deeper secrets lurking beneath everyday life.

The final story, “Peter Schlemihl,” rounds out the anthology with a blend of humor and social observation, capturing the quirks of small‑town existence. Together, the pieces showcase the richness of German storytelling—balancing moral reflection, atmospheric detail, and a touch of the uncanny—making the volume a rewarding listen for anyone curious about classic European literature.