Deutsche Humoristen, 7. Band (von 8) by Ottomar Enking et al.
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Let's be clear: this isn't a novel. Deutsche Humoristen is a curated anthology, a "best of" collection for its time. This specific volume, the seventh of eight, gathers works from a bunch of German humorists writing around the turn of the 20th century. The most famous name here is probably Ludwig Thoma. The book is a mix of short fictional sketches, satirical observations, and comedic stories that lampoon everything from stuffy bureaucrats and small-town life to romantic entanglements and social climbing.
The Story
There's no single plot. Instead, you jump from one voice to the next. One story might follow a hapless farmer trying to outsmart a cunning tax collector. The next could be a sharp piece about a pretentious city-dweller visiting his rustic relatives. Another might simply be a funny monologue from a grumpy innkeeper. The common thread is a keen, often gentle, eye for human folly. The settings are vividly everyday—parlors, village squares, government offices—but the people in them are timelessly ridiculous.
Why You Should Read It
I picked this up out of sheer curiosity and found it utterly charming. The humor has aged in places, but much of it holds up because it's about universal things: pride, greed, love, and embarrassment. Reading it, you get a real sense of the rhythm of daily life and the pet peeves of a bygone era. It’s social history delivered with a wink. Ludwig Thoma's pieces, in particular, have a warmth and wit that make his characters feel familiar, even across a century.
Final Verdict
This is a niche but delightful book. It's perfect for history buffs who want to go beyond dates and battles to hear the era's laughter, or for anyone who enjoys classic short-form humor like Mark Twain or P.G. Wodehouse. It's also a great pick for language learners with advanced German skills looking for authentic, period-appropriate material. Don't expect a page-turner; think of it as a leisurely stroll through a very funny, very specific moment in time.
This title is part of the public domain archive. It is now common property for all to enjoy.
Betty Jones
2 months agoThe layout is very easy on the eyes.
David Wilson
4 months agoMy professor recommended this, and I see why.
Carol Miller
1 year agoText is crisp, making it easy to focus.
Oliver Perez
4 weeks agoAfter hearing about this author multiple times, it challenges the reader's perspective in an intellectual way. Thanks for sharing this review.
Lucas King
1 year agoI didn't expect much, but the author's voice is distinct and makes complex topics easy to digest. Exactly what I needed.