Wilhelm Raabe

Wilhelm Raabe

Wilhelm Raabe

Wilhelm Raabe (1831-1910) is one of the major figures of 19th-century German Realist writing, acknowledged as an innovator both stylistically and thematically. But until now there has been little concentration on the international and postcolonial dimensions of Raabe's work - his literary critique of colonialism, his engagement with modernization and globalization, his involvement in 19th century German discourses about America, Africa and Asia, and the links between international and national issues in his writing. In Raabe International, contributions from many eminent critics address Raabe both as a writer on world affairs and as a subject himself for translation and comment outside of Germany.

Novels: Wilhelm Raabe

Schaumann has married the daughter of Farmer Quakatz, who has spent much of his life under the cloud of an accusation and suspicion of murder. Kienbaum, a cattle dealer, was found dead and Quakatz was known to have had an altercation with him not long before. The case was taken up and dropped three times for lack of evidence, but [many] are convinced of Quakatz’s guilt and make his and his daughter’s life a misery. [Tubby]... defends Valentine Quakatz against her persecutors, assists her father, and on one occasion arrives in the nick of time to save them from violence at the hands of drunken farm servants. He marries Valentine and they live together in happiness and harmony... At the old man’s funeral [Tubby] finds a clue to the murder of Kienbaum. He follows it up and solves the mystery. The murder was committed on impulse by Störzer, the postman... But [Tubby] keeps his knowledge to himself... [until] after Störzer’s death...