The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-08-11

the odds are great that he will admit an
entire ignorance on the subject. Yet
when, few years ago, certain syndicate
editor obtained from a number of we'll
known English men of letters their opin
ions concerning what are the hundred
best books several of these included in
their lists some one of Meinhold's chief
works.
California herself could scarcely afford a
better illustration than this of prophets
lack of honor in his own country.
And yet "The Amber Witch may Justly
rank among the great German classics. 1t
is the pioneer among that most effective
class of romances in many languages that
have witchcraft for a motive, Meinhold
has had many successes In this field, but,
not even excepting Balzac, he still remains
m aster. No work by any other workman
in this line has yet surpassed 1.-The Amber
Witch"
The book has very curious history. In
the year 1841-1842, fragments of what was
afterward to become this volume appeared
in German periodical called Christoterpe.
They then appeared as extracts from the
imminent chest at Coserow. Frederick
William " saw the fragments, and, in
tense lover of romance that he was, became
interested in them. He made inquiries
about the author of the work, and the
whole manuscript was sent to him by
Meinhold, with an explanation of the fic-
tion and of a certain design which he en-
tertained against the higher Biblical critics.
In June of the following year the author
received back his manuscript, neatly
printed under the auspices of an eminent
firm, together with letter lncloslng
goodly remittance. This was an act worthy
of kingIy king. The doughty critics,
against whom Meinhold entertained de-
signs, rose quickly to his bait. They hailed
with delight this revival of long-lost
manuscript, notable contribution to the
nations social history. When, at last one
doubling Thomas arose, who brought into
question the authenticity of the work, the
author finally confessed the trick he had
practiced. But the critics, at first deceived
by him, proceeded solemnly to deceive
themselves. They refused to believe that
they had been taken in, and declared for
the authenticity of the document against
the reiterated assertions of the author.
But, perhaps, could he know the last
condition of his much-fought-over manu-
script the author himself might be the
most surprised of all who took part in that
old controversy. He had written The
Amber Witch" in order to show how read
lily the cocksure Biblical critics could be
deceived. He had intended merely to
refute the critical methods of the great
Strauss and his school, but what he really
did was to inaugurate an entirely new
school, not of Biblical criticism, but OF
romance He has clothed in romantic
garb tragic outgrowths OF the universal
belief in witchcraft that darkened the
middle ages, that up to this time had
served only as material for many grew
some chapters of history.
The story purports to be the trial of
"Mary Schneider, the amber witch, the
most interesting trial for witchcraft ever
known. Printed from an imperfect manu-
script by her father, Abraham Schneider,
the pastor of Coserow, in the island of
Usedom, edited by w. Meinhold, doctor
of theology, pastor, etc.
The story told by the supposititious
chronicier is of the accusation, trial and tor
ture of his young daughter Mary as witch.
The author tells his tale in an exceedingly
realistic fashion, and, indeed, the remark
able picture. he has given OF the actual
time of which he writes constitutes the
books chief value. The reader for the
time being moves and breathes in the
atmosphere of the witch-ridden middle
ages The dark superstitions, the strange
accusations and tortures, the life. fears,
hopes and the people of Coserow and
Uekeritze are brought wildly before US.
The story itself, aside from its historic
chief motif, follows closely upon the lines
Of the conventional romancers OF Mein-
holds own time. The Amber Witch her.
self is by no means remarkable creation.
She is typical young girl of her age, ac-
,used of witchcraft, put to trial and tor
lure and rescued from death at the last
through the efforts OF her lover.
In the old pastor who tells the tale, how
.ver we have bit of admirable character
cation. Lady Duff Gordon, in her trans
alton. has preserved delightfully."- the
simplicity of the archaic and rather |
oedantic original by which Meinhold SO |
,leverly befogged the critics. /
The whole work is a charming bit of !!
and is well worthy of place |
among the noteworthy revivals OF the |
rear. New York: Charles Scrlbnerss |