by E. T. A. Hoffmann
About this book
E.T.A. Hoffmann's Auswahl aus Die Serapionsbrüder is a masterwork of supernatural fiction that blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination. Originally collected between 1819 and 1821, these haunting novelas are framed by a gathering of artist friends who meet on Saint Serapion's day to share stories and debate their artistic merit.
At the heart of these tales lies the Serapiontic Principle—Hoffmann's revolutionary philosophy that art must be "seen" by the writer before being written, bridging the gap between waking life and dreams, reason and madness, the human and the inhuman. Through this lens, Hoffmann explores the darkest corners of human experience: ghostly apparitions that challenge our understanding of mortality, vampirism that preys on the innocent, and the mysterious depths of mining operations that conceal ancient secrets.
This selection includes the foundational frame story, "Der Einsiedler Serapion," explorations of the artistic principle itself, the chilling "Eine Spukgeschichte," the psychological horror of "Vampirismus," and the atmospheric "Die Bergwerke zu Falun." Each tale showcases Hoffmann's gift for psychological depth and atmospheric dread, positioning him as a visionary artist who channels hidden connections between worlds.
Perfect for readers of classic horror and literary fiction seeking profound, philosophically rich ghost stories that transcend simple scares, this collection remains essential listening for anyone interested in the roots of modern supernatural storytelling.
