Unsuccessful in his ambitions, the young and naive Peter Schlemihl seals a pact with the Devil in which he exchanges his shadow for the purse of Fortunatus, thereby gaining everlasting riches. But when he is ridiculed, persecuted, and hated for being different from other men, he realizes that poverty is easier to bear than the loss of his peace of mind. Originally written as a cautionary tale for the children of Chamisso8217;s patron, this amusing and poignant tale was hailed by contemporaries as a masterpiece with a wide adult appeal.
- Genre: Science Fiction + Fantasy, Fiction + Literature Genres
- Subgenre: Literary, Classics
- Publisher: Oneworld Classics
- Pages: 125
- Edition: Reprint
- Language: English
- Format: paperback
- Release Date: October 1, 2009
- Date Published: October 1, 2009
- Author: Adelbert Von Chamisso