ROBERT WALSER REDISCOVERED: STORIES, FAIRY-TALE PLAYS, AND CRITICAL RESPONSES by Walser, Robert (Author); Kafka, Franz; Benjamin, Walter; Canetti, Elias; Musil, Robert & Others - 1985

Hanover, NH: University Press Of New England/Dartmouth Press, 1985. First Edition. First Printing.. Hardcover. Fine/Fine Dust Jacket.. Hanover, NH: University Press Of New England/Dartmouth Press, 1985. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. First Edition/First Printing. 225 pages. Retrospective collection of the author's writings, plus critical responses. One of the most valuable books on Robert Walser ever published in the 20th century. The first appearance of the title in English and in the United States. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only by a University Press. The First Edition is now scarce. Presents "Robert Walser Rediscovered: Stories, Fairy-Tale Plays, And Critical Responses" in a felicitous English translation. One of the earliest and most important publications in English of the great writer's work, the precursor to the remarkable (and welcome) publishing cottage industry that has now seen a significant chunk of Walser's writings translated into English. Marks the very first appearance of "Cinderella" and "Snowwhite", two so-called "anti-fairy tales" that are still written as fairy tales rather than literary criticism hence their genius. "Snowwhite" (it's one word) was once hailed by Walter Benjamin as "one of the most profound compositions in recent literature". As such, Walser may yet hit the 100, 000 readers Hermann Hesse wished for him, and for the good of Mankind. Also includes Critical Responses by such early icon-admirers as Franz Kafka, Robert Musil, Walter Benjamin, Elias Canetti, and Christopher Middleton (his first translator in English), among others. Scattered elsewhere, the pieces are gathered in this volume with cumulative effect. A succinct description of the discovery and experience of the Walserian universe: "The reader is in the presence of a mind-bending genius, but one characterized by a wry, buoyant voice, as apparently cheerful as it is disturbing. One of the twentieth century's great Modern Masters" (Publisher's blurb). "If Walser had a hundred thousand readers, the world would be a better place" (Hermann Hesse). "One of the most important German-language writers of this century. A truly wonderful, heartbreaking writer" (Susan Sontag). An absolute "must-have" title for Robert Walser collectors. <b><i> This title is a great collection. This is one of few copies of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing (American) still available online and is in especially fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright, a pristine beauty. Please note: Copies available online are former library copies or have serious flaws. This is surely an accessible and lovely alternative. A rare copy thus. </b></i> One of the greatest writers of the 20th century. A fine copy. (SEE ALSO OTHER ROBERT WALSER TITLES IN OUR CATALOG). ISBN 0874513340.