Adelbert von Chamisso Book order

The story follows Peter Schlemihl, a young man who naively trades his shadow for wealth, gaining a magical purse that grants him endless riches. However, his newfound fortune comes with a heavy price, as he faces ridicule and ostracism for his unusual condition. Ultimately, Peter learns that the loss of his shadow brings greater suffering than the poverty he sought to escape, highlighting themes of identity, societal acceptance, and the true cost of material wealth.

Unsuccessful in his ambitions, the young and naive Peter Schlemihl seals a pact with the Devil in which he exchanges his shadow for the purse of Fortunatus, thereby gaining everlasting riches. But when he is ridiculed, persecuted, and hated for being different from other men, he realizes that poverty is easier to bear than the loss of his peace of mind. Originally written as a cautionary tale for the children of Chamisso s patron, this amusing and poignant tale was hailed by contemporaries as a masterpiece with a wide adult appeal."

The most famous of Adelbert von Chamisso's works, about a man who sells his shadow to the devil. It was written partly to divert his own thoughts and partly to amuse the children of his friend Ferdinand Hitzig. Schlemihl is also a synonym of one who makes a desperate or silly bargain.

The narrative unfolds a sense of wonder and disbelief as the protagonist witnesses a series of astonishing events. A character named Adelbert produces three magnificent horses from his pocket, following an array of seemingly impossible items, including a letter-case and a large pavilion. This surreal ability evokes both unease and fascination, hinting at themes of magic and the extraordinary in everyday life. The story explores the boundaries of reality and the unexpected marvels that can emerge from the mundane.