Page:Flower, fruit and thorn pieces - Noel translation.djvu/87



TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.

ITH the exception of a short narrative entitled Quintus Fixlein, translated and published about seventeen years ago by Carlyle in his volumes of German Romance, the present, it is believed, is the only other work of the author presented to the English public in an unmutilated shape.

Considering the high rank held by Richter in German literature, and that his works, written mostly in an amusing form, treat of subjects interesting to every reader,—for they have humanity for their text,—it may seem surprising that long ere this there have not been found many willing to undertake the pleasing task of introducing so celebrated an author, and so good a man, to our more intimate acquaintance.

The reason generally assigned for this omission has been, that the novels of Jean Paul are written in so