PREFACE to THIRD EDITION
by Adelbert von Chamisso · from Peter Schlemihl
Adapted Version
Hello, little readers! I am Mr. Bowring. I have a special story for you today.
I made a book. It was a long, long time ago. This book was very old. I took a story from a different language. I made it into English. My special book was "Peter Schlemihl." It was a good tale.
My good friend Mr. Cruikshank drew nice pictures. They were very pretty indeed. The pictures were in my special book. Each picture told a part of the story. Many, many people liked my book. They bought it to read. So many people wanted it. They loved the story. They loved the pictures too. This made me very happy. I felt very proud.
The real writer was Mr. Chamisso. He wrote the story. But his name was a secret then. People did not know his name. They did not know who wrote it. It was a big secret. No one knew the author's name. This made the book more secret.
Mr. Chamisso was very happy. He heard about my book. He heard many people liked it. They liked it in England. This news made him smile. He felt very, very good. He was glad for the story.
Later, other people made books. They made their own versions. They also made the story in English. Many people liked the story. It became very famous. All wanted to read it.
I thought of my first special book. It was very special to me. My book was the very first one. I made it first. I wanted to share it again. This story is good. I want you to read it. It is a good story. I am proud of it. It has a special message.
So I made a new book for you. It is a very special book. It is for all of you to read. You can read it now. Open its pages. I hope you like it very much. This old story is new again. It is for you to enjoy. I hope you love it. It is a gift from me.
Original Story
PREFACE TO THIRD EDITION.
More than twenty years ago I translated “Peter Schlemihl.” I had the advantage of the pen and genius of George Cruikshank, to make the work popular, and two editions were rapidly sold.
At that time the real author was unknown. Everybody attributed it to Lamotte Fouqué, on whose literary shoulders, indeed, Adelbert von Chamisso placed the burden of its responsibilities.
The appearance of the English edition, I have reason to know—thanks to the merit of Cruikshank’s original and felicitous sketches—excited the greatest delight in the mind of Chamisso. In his autobiography he says that “Peter” had been kindly received in Germany, but in England had been renowned (volksthumlich).
Several English translations have since occupied the field. Mine, as the first-born, naturally claims its own heritage, though it has been long out of print, and in the shape of a third edition, commends itself anew to public patronage.
John Bowring.
January, 1861.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
John Bowring, in this preface from 1861, reflects on his popular translation of 'Peter Schlemihl' from over twenty years prior, which was enhanced by George Cruikshank's illustrations. He notes that the true author, Adelbert von Chamisso, was initially unknown but was greatly pleased by the English reception of the book. Despite other translations emerging since, Bowring reasserts the claim of his 'first-born' edition and reintroduces it to the public in a third printing.
Themes
Emotional Arc
informative to hopeful
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects the common practice of prefaces in published works, especially for new editions, to provide context or updates. Highlights the role of illustrators like Cruikshank in popularizing books.
Plot Beats (7)
- John Bowring translated 'Peter Schlemihl' over twenty years ago.
- His translation, featuring George Cruikshank's illustrations, was popular and sold two editions.
- At the time, the true author, Adelbert von Chamisso, was unknown and the work was attributed to Lamotte Fouqué.
- Chamisso expressed great delight at the English edition, noting its renown.
- Other English translations have since emerged.
- Bowring, as the original translator, reasserts his claim to the work.
- He presents a third edition of his translation to the public.
Characters
Adelbert von Chamisso ◆ supporting
A man of average height and build, likely with features typical of a 19th-century German intellectual, perhaps a thoughtful or somewhat reserved demeanor.
Attire: Typical 19th-century European academic or gentleman's attire: a dark wool frock coat, a waistcoat, a high-collared shirt with a cravat, and dark trousers. The fabric would be sturdy and practical, reflecting a scholarly rather than flamboyant style.
Wants: To create and share stories, to see his work appreciated, and to acknowledge those who helped popularize it.
Flaw: Initially hesitant to claim authorship, perhaps a touch of modesty or shyness.
Not explicitly shown in this preface, but implied to have gained recognition and delight from the success of his work, particularly its reception in England.
Humble, appreciative, scholarly, somewhat reserved, and perhaps a bit playful in initially attributing his work to another.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged European man standing, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a high forehead, dark hair neatly combed back, and a thoughtful, slightly amused expression. He wears a dark wool frock coat, a light-colored waistcoat, a high-collared white shirt with a dark cravat, and dark trousers. His hands are clasped loosely in front of him. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
George Cruikshank ◆ supporting
A man of robust build, likely with a lively and expressive face, typical of a caricaturist and illustrator of the Victorian era.
Attire: Practical yet stylish 19th-century English artist's attire: a dark, well-fitting jacket, a patterned waistcoat, a white shirt, and a loosely tied cravat. His clothes might show slight signs of ink or charcoal, indicating his profession.
Wants: To create impactful and popular illustrations, to bring stories to life through his art.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but perhaps a tendency to overshadow the author with his visual interpretations.
Not explicitly shown, but his work on 'Peter Schlemihl' contributed to his ongoing fame and delighted the author.
Genius, felicitous, original, popular, and likely enthusiastic about his craft.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged English man standing, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a strong, expressive face with keen, dark eyes and dark, slightly tousled hair. He wears a dark, tailored jacket, a patterned waistcoat, a white shirt, and a loosely tied cravat. He holds a fine-tipped drawing pen in his right hand, with a confident and observant expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
John Bowring ★ protagonist
An elderly English gentleman, likely with a dignified and scholarly appearance, perhaps a bit frail but still sharp.
Attire: Formal 19th-century English gentleman's attire suitable for an editor and scholar: a dark, well-tailored suit (frock coat, waistcoat, trousers), a crisp white shirt, and a neatly tied dark cravat. The fabric would be of good quality wool, reflecting his status.
Wants: To reintroduce his translation of 'Peter Schlemihl' to the public, to claim its rightful place as the 'first-born' translation, and to ensure the story's continued popularity.
Flaw: Perhaps a touch of pride in his 'first-born' status, potentially leading him to overlook newer translations.
In this preface, he acts to revive his earlier work, asserting its historical importance and seeking renewed public patronage.
Diligent, proud, persistent, scholarly, and respectful of literary heritage.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly English man standing, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, intelligent aged face with wire-rimmed spectacles perched on his nose, and neatly combed white hair. He wears a dark, well-tailored wool frock coat, a matching waistcoat, a crisp white shirt, and a dark cravat. He holds a freshly printed book in his left hand, with a dignified and determined expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Author's Study (John Bowring)
A quiet, scholarly room, likely in England, where John Bowring penned his preface in 1861, reflecting on past literary successes and preparing a new edition.
Mood: Reflective, scholarly, somewhat nostalgic, with a sense of quiet accomplishment.
John Bowring writes the preface for the third English edition of 'Peter Schlemihl', reflecting on its history and success.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dimly lit, wood-paneled study in a Victorian English home. A heavy oak desk is positioned near a tall window, through which diffused, cool winter light enters, illuminating dust motes in the air. Piles of leather-bound books and loose manuscripts are stacked on the desk and on shelves lining the walls. An open inkwell and a quill rest beside a freshly written page. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
