The Tales of Hoffmann, Volumes 1 & 2

The collection showcases E. T. A. Hoffmann's remarkable imagination and fascination with the supernatural, positioning him as a pioneer of surrealism and modern horror. Originally published in 1885, these stories reflect his transition from a law career, influenced by his family's background, to a passionate engagement with literature and philosophy. Hoffmann's early exposure to German classicists and thinkers like Immanuel Kant shaped his unique narrative style, making this anthology a significant contribution to literary history.