Zürich Novellas

"The Zürich Novellas," written as "Züricher Novellen," constitute a novella cycle by Gottfried Keller. The first volume comprises three novellas interwoven by a framing narrative that itself constitutes a novella. In the second volume, this interconnection is not present. The novellas included are "Hadlaub," "Der Narr auf Manegg," and "Der Landvogt von Greifensee" in the first volume, while the second volume features "Das Fähnlein der sieben Aufrechten" (The Banner of the Seven Upright Men) and "Ursula." These novellas were initially serialized between November 1876 and April 1877 in the "Deutsche Rundschau" magazine and were later published as the first volume in 1877. The second volume combined Keller's previously published "Das Fähnlein der sieben Aufrechten" with the newly written concluding novella "Ursula," 17 years after its initial release. In contrast to his earlier work "Die Leute von Seldwyla," Keller shifted his focus to historical settings, incorporating elements such as the Manesse Codex and the Manegg Castle ruins. The first three novellas are linked by a framing narrative in which an old uncle aims to impart the values of the past to his inquisitive nephew. This cycle, notable for its didactic undertones, illustrates Keller's evolution in thematic and stylistic approaches. Keller presents the story of Hadlaub against the backdrop of medieval Zurich. The narrative begins with a detailed description of the region around Kaiserstuhl, where two sisters, Mechtildis and Kunigunde, reside in their respective castles, Weiß-Wasserstelz and Schwarz-Wasserstelz. The elder sister, Mechtildis, is portrayed as malicious and conniving, constantly plotting to deprive her younger sister, Kunigunde, of her inheritance. Kunigunde, on the other hand, is portrayed as beautiful, graceful, and steadfast, resolutely resisting her sister's schemes. The story introduces Heinrich von Klingenberg, the emperor's chancellor, who is romantically involved with Kunigunde. His secret visits to her, facilitated by his supposed necromantic abilities, add an element of intrigue and the supernatural to the narrative. The story evolves to reveal that Kunigunde has a daughter, Fides, who is later sent to Zurich and becomes a nun in the Zurich Abbey, eventually becoming its prince abbess through Henry's influence. The narrative then shifts to Fides' life in Zurich under the tutelage of Konrad von Mure, a venerable director of the singing school at the Grossmünster monastery. Recognizing Fides' potential, Konrad becomes her mentor and protector. Through the lens of Fides' upbringing and her interactions with notable figures in Zurich, Keller weaves a rich tapestry of medieval life, social structures, and the cultural milieu of the time. The story intricately blends historical elements with the personal stories of its characters, offering a vivid portrayal of the complexities of inheritance, power, and social dynamics in medieval Zurich. This modern critical reader's unabridged translation from the original German includes supplementary materials that bring Keller's life and impact to life. Nietzsche considered Keller to be one of the greatest living poets of his time. However, his works are rarely found in other languages, so most people today are unaware of who he was or why he was important. This edition remedies that situation by providing a clear, accessible version of Keller's original German writing and offering insight into his broader ideas and the philosophical landscape in which he operated. Working directly from Keller's German manuscripts, this new translation delivers literary excellence and scholarly depth with amplifying materials. Readers will discover not only Keller's powerful voice but also the philosophical currents that shaped an entire era of German thought. The edition includes an illuminating afterword tracing Keller's intellectual relationship with Nietzsche, revealing the fascinating dialogue between two of the period's most influential minds. A comprehensive timeline connects the major events of Keller's life with his published works, and a detailed index provides an authoritative guide to his complete writings. Together, these materials provide newcomers and serious readers with everything needed to appreciate one of literature's most overlooked figures.