Summer Legends
Rudolph Baumbach, Helen B. Dole
language
(, May 23, 2018)
This translation from the original German by Helen B. Dole was initially printed in 1888 and has added illustrations. The German title was Sommermärchen.From the preface: âRudolph Baumbach [1840-1905] is a poet. He was born in Thuringia, and now lives in Leipsic, where he is a favorite both as a writer and in society. Most of his works have been written in verse, which is spontaneous, full of melody, and as witty as Heine, but perfectly free from bitterness. He draws his inspiration largely from the Alps. His âZlatorog,â an Alpine story, has reached the twenty-second edition, and the âLieder eines fahrenden Gesellenâ and âFrau Holdeâ are each in the thirteenth edition.âThe present collection of short stories has been taken from two little volumes in prose, entitled, âSommer-Märchenâ and âErzählungen und Märchen,â which have been very popular in Germany. More than eleven editions of the first volume have been sold, and six of the second. The stories are remarkable for their grace and simplicity of style. They are full of originality and wit, with occasional touches of keen satire, showing knowledge of the world as well as a familiarity with every bird and flower and creature in forest, field, and mountain. The stories are more for young people than children, yet the âEaster Rabbitâ will be enjoyed by the little ones, while the fun in the âAssâ Springâ will appeal to children of a larger growth. They are not altogether fairy-tales, though all border on the marvelous, and sprites, elves, and other mysterious folk from Wonderland play a conspicuous part.âRudolf Baumbach also wrote Frau Holde, Spielmannslieder, Von der LandstraĂe, and ThĂźringer Lieder.This book has the following stories: Ranunculus, The Meadow Sprite; The Legend of the Daisy; The Clover Leaf; The Easter Bunny; The Golden Tree; The Magic Bow; The Water of Forgetfulness; Theodelinda and the Water-Sprite; The Four Evangelists; The Witching-Stone; The Talkative House-Key; The Forgotten Bell; The Christmas Rose; The Adder-Queen; The Blacksmithâs Bride; The Beech-Tree; The Assâ Spring; The Water of Youth; The Disappointed Dwarf; The Egyptian Fire-Eater; A Happy Marriage.