Maria Wutz by Jean Paul - eBook

Published in 1793, was one of Jean Paul Richter's most beloved works. 's eponymous protagonist is a schoolteacher who dreams of a library far beyond his means, one that could capture all of history, but most of all the zeitgeist. The only book he can afford is a catalogue, and from this, he takes it upon himself to write his own version of every title, from Kant to obscure treatises on physiognomy. This version of is adapted from Francis and Rose Storr’s translation, printed in (London: Longmans, Green, & Co, 1881). Several passages omitted from the Storrs’ version are newly translated by Ruth Martin.

Jean Paul is the nom-de-plume of Johann Paul F. Richter (March 21, 1763–Nov. 14, 1825), a German writer of long novels noted for their digression, warmth, and humor. After several early satirical works (at the “vinegar-factory”, he would say), he hit a stride in the 1790s with (1793), (1795), (1797), (1803), and (1805).