The Severed Hand / From "German Tales" Published by the American Publishers' Corporation

Name: The Severed Hand / From "German Tales" Published by the American Publishers' Corporation
Author: Wilhelm Hauff

By Wilhelm Hauff

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German Literature Science-Fiction & Fantasy Short Stories

About This Book

A narrator raised in Constantinople is educated as a physician, travels to France, and returns home to find his father dead and the inheritance vanished, forcing him into itinerant trade and medical practice. After establishing himself in Florence he discovers an anonymous midnight summons and a splendid scarlet cloak left behind when a masked stranger vanishes on a bridge. He displays the cloak for sale as a deliberate stratagem, and the episode launches a compact tale that blends travel memoir, moral misfortune, and a gothic mystery about identity, chance, and the consequences of curiosity.

About the Author

Wilhelm Hauff

Wilhelm Hauff (1802-1827) was a German poet and novelist, best known for his contributions to the genre of fairy tales. His works often blend elements of fantasy and adventure, reflecting the rich tradition of storytelling in German literature. Among his notable works are "Fairy Tales," which showcases his imaginative narratives, and "Tales of the Caravan, Inn, and Palace," which highlights his ability to weave intricate tales set in exotic locales. Hauff's storytelling is characterized by its moral lessons and vivid imagery, making him a significant figure in the literary heritage of the 19th century.