E.T.A. Hoffmann — Das Fräulein von Scuderi

Half-Leather (Hardcover), 18.5 x 13 cm, 145 pp., German, 1st Edition, Illustrations, book condition: Very Good but some foxing. The book is one of E.T.A. Hoffmann's most famous novellas, originally published in 1819. It is recognized worldwide as one of the very first detective stories in literary history. The 1923 Deluxe Edition published by Avalun-Verlag. Features: The book contains 145 pages and 12 original etchings, 11 of which are full-page and mostly signed by the artist. Rarity: This edition was limited to a small, numbered print run (350 copies); this is number 208/350 and was printed on high-quality paper in a beautiful half-leather binding. Some foxing. Summary of the Story The story is set in Paris in 1680, during the reign of Louis XIV. The Mysterious Murders: The city is plagued by a series of brutal robberies and murders of nobles carrying precious jewels. The Protagonist: Mademoiselle de Scudéri, a respected 73-year-old poetess at court, becomes involved when she receives a box of stolen jewels from a frightened young man. René Cardillac: The plot revolves around the brilliant but possessed goldsmith René Cardillac, who cherishes his own masterpieces so much that he murders his customers to steal the jewels back. The Denouement: Scudéri acts as an early form of a "detective" (similar to Miss Marple) who, through conversations and her influence with the king, proves the innocence of a suspect apprentice and reveals the gruesome truth behind Cardillac. Cultural Impact The book inspired countless later crime writers, including possibly Edgar Allan Poe, and served as the basis for Paul Hindemith's opera Cardillac. The book is one of E.T.A. Hoffmann's most famous novellas, originally published in 1819. It is recognized worldwide as one of the very first detective stories in literary history. The 1923 Deluxe Edition published by Avalun-Verlag. Features: The book contains 145 pages and 12 original etchings, 11 of which are full-page and mostly signed by the artist. Rarity: This edition was limited to a small, numbered print run (350 copies); this is number 208/350 and was printed on high-quality paper in a beautiful half-leather binding. Some foxing. Summary of the Story: The story is set in Paris in 1680, during the reign of Louis XIV. The Mysterious Murders: The city is plagued by a series of brutal robberies and murders of nobles carrying precious jewels. The Protagonist: Mademoiselle de Scudéri, a respected 73-year-old poetess at court, becomes involved when she receives a box of stolen jewels from a frightened young man. René Cardillac: The plot revolves around the brilliant but possessed goldsmith René Cardillac, who cherishes his own masterpieces so much that he murders his customers to steal the jewels back. The Denouement: Scudéri acts as an early form of a ""detective"" (similar to Miss Marple) who, through conversations and her influence with the king, proves the innocence of a suspect apprentice and reveals the gruesome truth behind Cardillac. Cultural Impact: The book inspired countless later crime writers, including possibly Edgar Allan Poe, and served as the basis for Paul Hindemith's opera Cardillac. Avalun-Verlag, Hellerau, 1923 Condition: Very Good