the German Classics of Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 08: Masterpieces Literature Translated into English

"T he German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 08" by Francke et al. is a collection of notable works from German literature written in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This volume is especially dedicated to the "Novel of Provincial Life," showcasing different authors and their contributions that depict the rural landscape and the intricacies of village life, embodying the sentiments and social dynamics of their time. The opening of the collection introduces readers to Berthold Auerbach's "Little Barefoot," where two children, Amrei and Damie, embark on a bittersweet journey following the death of their parents. As they search for their father's and mother's presence, the narrative touches upon the sorrow of loss and the innocence of childhood amidst tragedy. The children explore their empty home and have poignant experiences that reveal their longing and the stark reality of their orphanhood. These themes of grief, resilience, and the harshness of life in a rural setting are central to their story, setting the tone for the other works that will follow in this significant volume.A dark night lay upon the earth; still darker was the place where a subdued voice repeatedly called, "Johannes." It was a tiny chamber in a large farmhouse; the voice came from the great bed which almost filled the further end of the room. In it lay a farmer and his wife, and to him the latter cried "Johannes" until he presently began to grumble and finally to ask, "What do you want? What is it?" "You'll have to get up and fodder the stock. It's after half-past four, and Uli didn't get home till after two and fell downstairs at that when he tried to get into his room. I should think you'd have waked up, he made such a noise. He was drunk, and now he won't want to get up; and anyhow I'd rather he wouldn't take a lantern into the stable while he's tipsy." "Servants are a trial nowadays," said the farmer, striking a light and dressing. "You can hardly get 'em or pay 'em enough, and then you're supposed to do everything yourself and never say a word about anything. You're not master in your own house any more, and you can't do enough of your own errands to keep from quarrels and from being run down."