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Berlin Stories (New York Review Books Classics)by Robert Walser
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:A New York Review Books Original
In 1905 the young Swiss writer Robert Walser arrived in Berlin to join his older brother Karl, already an important stage-set designer, and immediately threw himself into the vibrant social and cultural life of the city. Berlin Stories collects his alternately celebratory, droll, and satirical observations on every aspect of the bustling German capital, from its theaters, cabarets, painters’ galleries, and literary salons, to the metropolitan street, markets, the Tiergarten, rapid-service restaurants, and the electric tram. Originally appearing in literary magazines as well as the feuilleton sections of newspapers, the early stories are characterized by a joyous urgency and the generosity of an unconventional guide. Later pieces take the form of more personal reflections on the writing process, memories, and character studies. All are full of counter-intuitive images and vignettes of startling clarity, showcasing a unique talent for whom no detail was trivial, at grips with a city diving headlong into modernity. Review:"In the first English translation of his stories, Walser (an early twentieth century Swiss writer and European modernist) portrays Berlin through vignettes organized in four sections: 'The City Streets'; 'The Theater'; 'Berlin Life'; and 'Looking Back.' With journalistic, mostly first- and second-person accounts, and an eye toward middle-class domesticity, he considers topics ranging from a weekly market to gustatory pleasures at a local bar, and from the anticipation of theatrical novelties to conflict in the life of a millionairess. Set before the violence of the Weimar Republic, these selections feature characters who display affection toward the city and their countrymen rather than disenchantment, and with minimal departures, who reveal some of the author's own gratitude and optimism. Unswayed by 'all this elegance and splendor,' they are as attuned to pockets of nature as they are to public transport, such that the commonplace can inspire simple wonder and dream-like musings. Modern readers may consider the return to Berlin as a seat of culture, intellect, and civility to be nostalgic, but refreshing. (Oct.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
About the AuthorRobert Walser (1878–1956) left school at fourteen and led a wandering, precarious existence while producing poems, essays, stories, and novels. In 1933 he abandoned writing and entered a sanatorium—where he remained for the rest of his life. “I am not here to write,” Walser said, “but to be mad.” His Selected Stories and novel Jakob von Gunten are available as NYRB Classics.
Susan Bernofsky, co-chair of the PEN Translation Committee, is the translator of six books by the great Swiss-German modernist author Robert Walser as well as novels by Jenny Erpenbeck, Yoko Tawada, Hermann Hesse, Gregor von Rezzori, and others. What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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