The Black Spider

After one of their own people repeatedly fails to live up to a pact with the Devil, a petty and morally bankrupt village community is plagued by a swarm of deadly black spiders. Using a complex narrative structure, Gotthelf's cautionary novella shrewdly dissects the iniquitous social dynamics of rural life.

First published in 1842, The Black Spider displays its author's talent for dark satire and realism, as well as the visionary powers of his imagination.

About the author

Jeremias Gotthelf

Summary

After one of their own people repeatedly fails to live up to a pact with the Devil, a petty and morally bankrupt village community is plagued by a swarm of deadly black spiders. Using a complex narrative structure, Gotthelf's cautionary novella shrewdly dissects the iniquitous social dynamics of rural life.

First published in 1842, The Black Spider displays its author's talent for dark satire and realism, as well as the visionary powers of his imagination.

Additional text

I admire The Black Spider like almost no other piece of world literature.

Product details

• Authors: Jeremias Gotthelf
• Assisted by: H. M. Waidson (Translation), H.M. Waidson (Translation)
• Publisher: Alma Books
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 15.02.2015
• EAN: 9781847494535
• ISBN: 978-1-84749-453-5
• No. of pages: 128
• Subjects: Fiction > Narrative literature; FICTION / Occult & Supernatural, FICTION / Gothic, Classic horror & ghost stories, devil; corruption; German literature