Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/6



The publishers of this translation of have thought that a work of this character would be acceptable as an oasis in the desert of supernatural literature; and the public will doubtless find in every one of these interesting tales, sufficient food for marvel; in fact, the characteristic of this author, as may be well understood from his life, which follows, is extravagance. We quote the following:

"Hoffmann possesses, by turns, the singularity of Rabelais, the softened sarcasm of Voltaire, the exquisite sensibility of Bernardin de Saint Pierre. There is in his tales the piquant variety of Le Sage, joined to the spirit of Moliere, the caustic simplicity of Cervantes, the fineness of touch of Prevost. It is the book for every body."