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The Life and Opinions of the Tomcat Murr

By E.T.A. Hoffmann
Penguin Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Life and Opinions of the Tomcat Murr by E.T.A. Hoffmann intertwines the whimsical autobiography of a self-assured tomcat, Murr, with the life of the unconventional composer Johannes Kreisler. Through accidental mingling of their manuscripts, readers traverse Murr's amusing exploits and philosophical musings alongside Kreisler's tumultuous and artistic journey, painting a rich tapestry of satire and creativity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this whimsical and satirical novel if you love tales that intertwine the lives of an intelligent, opinionated cat and a complex German Romantic composer. The blend of fantasy, autobiography, and social commentary offers a unique storytelling experience that captures the imagination and challenges the conventions of traditional narrative form.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Tomcat Murr is a loveable animal who has written his own autobiography. But a printer's error causes his story to be accidentally mixed with a book about the composer Johannes Kreisler. As the two versions break off, two different characters emerge from the confusion - Murr, the scholar, carouser and brawler, and the hypochondriac genius Kreisler.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Tomcat Murr is a loveable, self-taught animal who has written his own autobiography. But a printer's error causes his story to be accidentally mixed and spliced with a book about the composer Johannes Kreisler.

As the two versions break off and alternate at dramatic moments, two wildly different characters emerge from the confusion - Murr, the confident scholar, lover, carouser and brawler, and the moody, hypochondriac genius Kreisler.

In his exuberant and bizarre novel, Hoffmann brilliantly evokes the fantastic, the ridiculous and the sublime within the humdrum bustle of daily life, making The Life and Opinions of the Tomcat Murr (1820-22) one of the funniest and strangest novels of the nineteenth century.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Life and Opinions of the Tomcat Murr by E.T.A. Hoffmann is often praised for its inventive and humorous narrative structure, which intertwines the autobiography of a self-taught, philosophical tomcat with the biography of a Romantic composer. Critics appreciate the satirical elements and the commentary on the nature of art and identity. Readers frequently highlight the novel's unique dual narrative and the cleverness with which Hoffmann explores the complexities of human and feline perspectives.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140446319

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 April 1999

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Anthea Bell
  • Introduction by Jeremy Adler
  • Translated by Anthea Bell

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 281g

Pages: 384

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Best Sellers at Book Hero Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction E.T.A. Hoffmann Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Black Classics Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction

About the Author

E T A Hoffmann (1776 - 1822) was born in Konigsberg and became one of the best known and influential authors of his time. He exploited the grotesque and the bizarre in a manner unmatched by any other Romantic writer. Jeremy Adler is Professor of German at King's College London. Anthea Bell has received many awards for her translations including the Mildred L. Batchelder Award in 1979, 1990 and 1995.

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