Peter Schlemihl
Lithuanian.

   Thanks, then, dear Fouqué, heartfelt thanks, for the launching of the first edition, and with our friends, receive my wishes for the prosperity of the second.

    Edward Hitzig

   .

    Berlin

   ,

    January

   , 1827.

   * * * * *

   With the second edition of Schlemihl, appeared Chamisso’s Songs and Ballads. His Travels round the World, have also been published. Among his poetry are translations from various languages.

   More than twenty years ago I translated “Peter Schlemihl.” I had the advantage of the pen and genius of George Cruikshank, to make the work popular, and two editions were rapidly sold.

   At that time the real author was unknown. Everybody attributed it to Lamotte Fouqué, on whose literary shoulders, indeed, Adelbert von Chamisso placed the burden of its responsibilities.

   The appearance of the English edition, I have reason to know—thanks to the merit of Cruikshank’s original and felicitous sketches—excited the greatest delight in the mind of Chamisso. In his autobiography he says that “Peter” had been kindly received in Germany, but in England had been renowned (

    volksthumlich

   ).

   Several English translations have since occupied the field. Mine, as the first-born, naturally claims its own heritage, though it has been long out of print, and in the shape of a third edition, commends itself anew to public patronage.

    John Bowring


 Prev. P 5/56 next 
Back Top
Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact