About this ebook
The People of Seldwyla (Die Leute von Seldwyla) is a two part novella cycle and is regarded as a masterpiece of 19th century German story art and is representative of the poetic realism style. The first five novellas, Part I, were written by Keller between 1853 and 1855 in Berlin, and they were published in 1856 by the Vieweg Verlag. The later five novellas, Part II, were composed in several stages between 1860 and 1875, primarily during Keller's tenure as State Secretary in Zurich. It comprises ten "life portraits" (the working title during the Berlin phase), interconnected by a shared setting, the fictional Swiss town of Seldwyla. With the exception of "Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe," an adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy, the Seldwyla stories are comedies in novella form, characterized by a strong satirical and grotesque element. Two of the novellas, "Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe" and "Kleider machen Leute," hold a place in world literature and are among the most widely read stories in German language literature. They have been adapted into films and operas multiple times, translated into many languages, and are available in an extensive array of editions. Here in one of Keller's greatest works, he weaves a satirical and vivid portrait of the fictional Swiss town of Seldwyla and its idiosyncratic inhabitants. Keller presents Seldwyla as a town rich in communal wealth, but populated by citizens who are perpetually impoverished and perpetually merry, living off the community's resources with a carefree, almost hedonistic disregard for conventional work ethics and financial prudence. The town's unique social dynamics are dominated by a youthful aristocracy who indulge in a lifestyle sustained by credit and outside labor, engaging in an endless cycle of debt and frivolity. The story is interspersed with anecdotes and vivid character sketches that bring to life the peculiar customs and social behaviors of the Seldwylers. These include their penchant for political agitation, seasonal celebrations with young wine, and a penchant for idle but ingenious schemes that sustain their paradoxical existence. In stories such as "Pankraz the Schmoller" and "Romeo and Juliet in the Village," Keller studies themes of human folly, resilience, and the inexorable transition from youthful exuberance to the sober realities of aging. The modern translation of The People of Seldwyla: Part II is accompanied by supporting material on Keller's life, work, and intellectual setting. Nietzsche considered Keller to be one of the greatest living poets of his time. yet, his works are rarely found in other languages, so most people today are unaware of who he was or why he was major. The edition presents The People of Seldwyla: Part II in accessible English with additional context for Keller's ideas and historical milieu. The translation of The People of Seldwyla: Part II works directly from Keller's manuscripts and this new translation delivers literary excellence and scholarly depth with supporting materials. Alongside The People of Seldwyla: Part II, the volume provides an afterword tracing Keller's intellectual relationship with Nietzsche, revealing the detailed dialogue between two of the period's most influential minds. To frame The People of Seldwyla: Part II, the edition provides a timeline that connects the major events of Keller's life with his published works, and a detailed index provides an guide to his complete writings.
The People of Seldwyla (Die Leute von Seldwyla) is a two part novella cycle and is regarded as a masterpiece of 19th century German story art and is representative of the poetic realism style. The first five novellas, Part I, were written by Keller between 1853 and 1855 in Berlin, and they were p...
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About the author
Gottfried Keller (1819 to 1890) was a Swiss poet, novelist, and short story writer who also served as a public official in Zurich. His best known books include Green Henry and the story cycle The People of Seldwyla, alongside poetry, diaries, letters, and political prose.
Gottfried Keller (1819 to 1890) was a Swiss poet, novelist, and short story writer who also served as a public official in Zurich. His best known books include Green Henry and the story cycle The People of Seldwyla, alongside poetry, diaries, letters, and political prose.
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