Ernst Hoffmann - The Serapion Brethren, Volume I & II, George Bell, 1886 & 1892

Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann - The Serapion Brethren, Volume I & II, George Bell, 1886 & 1892

The collection is structured as a series of 28 stories told within a complex frame narrative. A circle of six friends (inspired by Hoffmann's actual Berlin literary circle) gather to read and critique stories. They judge each piece by the "Serapion Principle"—the idea that a poet must possess a divine, inner visionary intensity to anchor the fantastic in realistic human emotion.  Translated by Major Alex Ewing.

Two hardcover volumes in good condition.  Darkened boards.  Bumped spine ends.  Corners bumped.  Previous owners name and date on endpapers.  Tanning to page edges.  Text firm and clean.

Weight    1180g.