The story of young Henry, who struggles to fulfil his ambitions to become a successful painter and is torn between the gentle Anna and the proud and sensual Judith, is one of the most outstanding and personal Bildungsroman writ ten in the German language.
Gottfried Keller Books
Gottfried Keller was a Swiss poet and writer whose work stands as a pinnacle of bourgeois realism. His lyric poetry inspired numerous musical settings, and his novellas are considered masterpieces of German-language narrative art. Revered even during his lifetime, Keller's unique style and profound insights into human nature solidify his significance.







This novel, by Gottfried Keller, is part of the BCP German Texts series, designed to meet the needs of the growing A Level and undergraduate market for texts in the German language. Each text comes with English notes and vocabulary, and with an introduction by an expert.
Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
This work by the Swiss poet, Gottfried Keller, is part of the BCP German Texts series, designed to meet the needs of the growing A Level and undergraduate market for texts in the German language. Each text comes with English notes and vocabulary, and with an introduction by an expert.
Three German Classics
- 188 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Set against a rural Swiss backdrop, this tragic love story unfolds between the children of two feuding farmer families, the Martis and the Manz. Inspired by Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the narrative explores themes of love, family conflict, and the consequences of pride and hatred. As Vrenchen and Sali fall in love in secret, their relationship highlights the struggles of navigating inherited enmity and the responsibility to break the cycle for future generations. This novella is part of a series designed to enhance English reading skills for learners at levels A2 to B2.
Martin Salander and A Village Romeo and Juliet
- 288 pages
- 11 hours of reading
The book features Martin Salander, a timeless Swiss-German classic, alongside A Village Romeo and Juliet, celebrated for its poetic realism. Together, these works explore deep emotional themes and the intricacies of love and societal constraints, showcasing the rich literary heritage of the nineteenth century. This collection offers readers a unique glimpse into the human experience through beautifully crafted narratives.
Seven Legends
- 72 pages
- 3 hours of reading
The book is a significant work in the realms of Germanic, Scandinavian, and Icelandic literatures, celebrated for its historical importance. Alpha Editions has undertaken the task of preserving it by republishing it in a modern format, ensuring clarity and readability through reformatting and redesigning. This effort highlights the commitment to maintain the book's legacy for both current and future readers, making it a valuable addition to literary collections.
The narrative explores themes of identity and social perception through the character of Wenzel Strapinski, an impoverished tailor's apprentice mistaken for a wealthy nobleman due to his refined appearance. Set in the small town of Goldach, he navigates the complexities of his false identity, enjoying the privileges that come with it while grappling with his conscience. As he becomes a beloved figure and falls for Nettchen, the daughter of a prominent official, the story critiques societal superficiality and the power of appearances, culminating in a dramatic engagement.
Kellers Werke 2
Die Leute von Seldwyla. Das Fähnlein der sieben Aufrechten
Kellers Werke in Fünf Bänden - 5. Der grüne Heinrich - 3. + 4. Band - bk1212; Aufbau Verlag; Gottfried Keller; Paperback; 1977

