Das Fabelbuch
Loading...
Authors
Mertens, Heinrich A.
Traub, Daniel
Issue Date
1949
Volume
Issue
Type
Book, Whole
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Here is an early post-war product of Germany in Gothic script. The bibliographical information on the back of the title-page indicates that it was done in a US zone. The book has a charming approach to its subject. First comes a section Fabeln und Belehrende Märlein für Grosse Nachdenkliche Leute. Who can pass up an invitation like that? The very next element, graced with one of many small, pleasing woodcuts, is Statt eines Vorwortes. It is in fact Luther's fable of the rooster and pearl, used often earlier to introduce fable books as precious pearls. This fable teaches that this book will be worthless with crass people, who disdain art and wisdom. The selection of adult material over the next 240 pages is broad. I cannot yet find an organizing principle. The forty-five authors cited include Andersen, Bierce, LaFontaine, and Marie de France but otherwise exclusively German authors. The bibliography is also disappointing, since it mentions only titles and no dates, places, or publishers. After the section for adults, there is a much shorter section (249-76) devoted to Reimgeschichten und Märchen für Kleine Leute. Hey and Güll are the predominant authors here. A good example of the woodcuts is Der Teufel und der Dieb (217). From what I can gather, this book may be rather scarce. I do not think that I have seen reference to it.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Verlag Kemper
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
Identifier
5237 (Access ID)