The Devil's Elixirs
Fully Annotated Edition with an introduction by Ronald Taylor
Published on 21. May 2017
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-1-84749-673-7 (ISBN)
Description
"The Devil's Elixirs is a macabre masterpiece of German literature, and is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the Romantic movement, or the genres of fantasy and horror which it spawned.
The son of a heinous sinner, Medardus is brought up in a monastery to atone for his father's wicked ways. However, after succumbing to temptation, Medardus himself is lured into a life of sin. A labyrinthine plot sees him embarking on a fantastical journey into the world, meeting his doppelganger, involving himself in a game of double impersonation, and becoming embroiled in murderous intrigues at the Vatican, before the mysterious curse hanging over him and his family is finally explained. First published in 1815, ""The Devil's Elixirs"" is a macabre masterpiece of German literature, and is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the Romantic movement, or the genres of fantasy and horror which it spawned."
The son of a heinous sinner, Medardus is brought up in a monastery to atone for his father's wicked ways. However, after succumbing to temptation, Medardus himself is lured into a life of sin. A labyrinthine plot sees him embarking on a fantastical journey into the world, meeting his doppelganger, involving himself in a game of double impersonation, and becoming embroiled in murderous intrigues at the Vatican, before the mysterious curse hanging over him and his family is finally explained. First published in 1815, ""The Devil's Elixirs"" is a macabre masterpiece of German literature, and is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the Romantic movement, or the genres of fantasy and horror which it spawned."
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Richmond
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Alma Books Ltd
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 128 mm
Weight
315 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84749-673-7 (9781847496737)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E. T. A. Hoffmann | Classics Quickie
The Devil's Elixirs (Summarized Edition)
Enriched edition. An 18th-century Gothic doppelganger tale of religious conflict, supernatural temptation, and a dark, morally ambiguous psychological journey
E-Book
01/2026
Quickie Classics
€1.99
Available for download
Previous edition
E.T.A. Hoffman
The Devil's Elixir
Book
02/2009
Alma Classics
€13.95
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