The Adventures of Simplicius Simplicissimus

Name: The Adventures of Simplicius Simplicissimus
Brand: Penguin Random House NZ
SKU: 9780241309865
Price: 35.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen

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3.72

( 2,736 ratings, 209 reviews)

Summary

The Adventures of Simplicius Simplicissimus by Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen is a classic picaresque novel set during the tumultuous Thirty Years' War. It follows the life of Simplicius, a naive and innocent boy, as he navigates the harsh realities of war and society. Throughout his journey, he encounters a wide array of characters and experiences, offering a satirical yet insightful glimpse into the chaotic world of 17th-century Europe.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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The Adventures of Simplicius Simplicissimus

$35⁰⁰

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by picaresque narratives set against the backdrop of historical upheavals, particularly the Thirty Years' War. Its blend of absurdity and insightful social commentary could appeal to those interested in exploring the complexities of human nature through darkly comedic and thought-provoking storytelling.

The Adventures of Simplicius Simplicissimus

First published in 1668, Simplicissimus tells the picaresque, brilliantly described adventures of a boy swept up in the Thirty Years War and the terrible things that he experiences. Some of it is realistic, some fantastical but the overall effect is an unmatched picture of Europe torn apart by an endless, sadistic, futile war from which nobody can escape.

Description

The first great German novel - an extraordinary recreation of the horrors of the Thirty Years War, written by a veteran of the conflict.

First published in 1668, The Adventures of Simplicius Simplicissimus tells the picaresque, brilliantly described adventures of a boy swept up in the Thirty Years War and the terrible things that he experiences. Some of it is realistic, some fantastical, but the overall effect is an unmatched picture of Europe torn apart by an endless, sadistic, futile war from which nobody can escape.

The Adventures of Simplicius Simplicissimus was rediscovered in 20th century Germany, where the book's grim message resonated, and it is now established as one of the essential works of German literature.

As Thomas Mann wrote: 'It is a story of the most basic kind of grandeur - gaudy, wild, raw, amusing, rollicking and ragged, boiling with life, on intimate terms with death and evil - but in the end, contrite and fully tired of a world wasting itself in blood, pillage and lust, but immortal in the miserable splendour of its sins.'

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Adventures of Simplicius Simplicissimus is a satirical novel that combines lively and colloquial storytelling to examine the folly of the world and the fleeting nature of life from a Christian perspective. Grimmelshausen sends the protagonist, Simplicius, through various picaresque adventures, delivering an engaging narrative style. The translation by J. A. Underwood is praised for its vividness and contemporary flair, offering a faithful and enjoyable reading experience.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241309865

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 March 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

Translated by J. A. Underwood

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 339g

Pages: 496

Collections

Featured Fiction General Fiction Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics

About the Author

Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen (1621-67) was born during the Thirty Years War and grew up to fight in it. It is impossible to disentangle how much of Simplicius Simplicissimus was based on his own experience and how much was fabricated. J. A. Underwood is a distinguished translator of German and French. He has translated, among others, Freud, Canetti, Kafka, Benjamin, Gombrowicz, Bachelard and Robbe-Grillet. Kevin Cramer is the author of The Thirty Years War and German Memory in the 19th Century. He teaches at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.