Weird Tales, Volume 2 cover art

Weird Tales, Volume 2

Weird Tales, Volume 2

By: E. T. A. Hoffmann
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About this listen

 In these fascinating tales, variety is the common thread that weaves through diverse countries and historical eras. The outcomes—whether fortunate or tragic—are often surprising, reflecting the unpredictability of life itself. The characters express themselves in a multitude of voices, and the narrative style shifts between tales, with one character sometimes narrating anothers story. Readers may feel as though they are being invited into the authors creative workshop, where they can admire his craftsmanship. Hoffmann employs clever narrative techniques, such as summarizing events or pausing the story to provide background, often addressing the reader directly with phrases like the indulgent reader or my kindly reader. This playful self-awareness is quintessentially Romantic, yet Hoffmann infuses it with a satirical edge, oscillating between sincerity and mockery. He deftly parodies Romantic clichés, using hyperbole and arch humor, while also embracing the more serious elements of the genre rich descriptions, emotional turmoil, unexpected twists, and the exploration of profound themes like friendship versus romantic love. Though an early Romantic himself, Hoffmann’s work resonates with Jane Austen’s critique of sentimentality, making it a rich tapestry of both critique and celebration of the Romantic spirit.Copyright 19th and 20th Century Fiction Art Literary History & Criticism World
Episodes
  • 015 - Section 15 Master Johannes Wacht part 3

    015 - Section 15 Master Johannes Wacht part 3
    Feb 21 2026
    In these fascinating tales, variety is the common thread that weaves through diverse countries and historical eras. The outcomes—whether fortunate or tragic—are often surprising, reflecting the unpredictability of life itself. The characters express themselves in a multitude of voices, and the narrative style shifts between tales, with one character sometimes narrating anothers story. Readers may feel as though they are being invited into the authors creative workshop, where they can admire his craftsmanship. Hoffmann employs clever narrative techniques, such as summarizing events or pausing the story to provide background, often addressing the reader directly with phrases like the indulgent reader or my kindly reader. This playful self-awareness is quintessentially Romantic, yet Hoffmann infuses it with a satirical edge, oscillating between sincerity and mockery. He deftly parodies Romantic clichés, using hyperbole and arch humor, while also embracing the more serious elements of the genre rich descriptions, emotional turmoil, unexpected twists, and the exploration of profound themes like friendship versus romantic love. Though an early Romantic himself, Hoffmann’s work resonates with Jane Austen’s critique of sentimentality, making it a rich tapestry of both critique and celebration of the Romantic spirit.
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • 014 - Section 14 Master Johannes Wacht part 2

    014 - Section 14 Master Johannes Wacht part 2
    Feb 21 2026
    In these fascinating tales, variety is the common thread that weaves through diverse countries and historical eras. The outcomes—whether fortunate or tragic—are often surprising, reflecting the unpredictability of life itself. The characters express themselves in a multitude of voices, and the narrative style shifts between tales, with one character sometimes narrating anothers story. Readers may feel as though they are being invited into the authors creative workshop, where they can admire his craftsmanship. Hoffmann employs clever narrative techniques, such as summarizing events or pausing the story to provide background, often addressing the reader directly with phrases like the indulgent reader or my kindly reader. This playful self-awareness is quintessentially Romantic, yet Hoffmann infuses it with a satirical edge, oscillating between sincerity and mockery. He deftly parodies Romantic clichés, using hyperbole and arch humor, while also embracing the more serious elements of the genre rich descriptions, emotional turmoil, unexpected twists, and the exploration of profound themes like friendship versus romantic love. Though an early Romantic himself, Hoffmann’s work resonates with Jane Austen’s critique of sentimentality, making it a rich tapestry of both critique and celebration of the Romantic spirit.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • 013 - Section 13 Master Johannes Wacht part 1

    013 - Section 13 Master Johannes Wacht part 1
    Feb 21 2026
    In these fascinating tales, variety is the common thread that weaves through diverse countries and historical eras. The outcomes—whether fortunate or tragic—are often surprising, reflecting the unpredictability of life itself. The characters express themselves in a multitude of voices, and the narrative style shifts between tales, with one character sometimes narrating anothers story. Readers may feel as though they are being invited into the authors creative workshop, where they can admire his craftsmanship. Hoffmann employs clever narrative techniques, such as summarizing events or pausing the story to provide background, often addressing the reader directly with phrases like the indulgent reader or my kindly reader. This playful self-awareness is quintessentially Romantic, yet Hoffmann infuses it with a satirical edge, oscillating between sincerity and mockery. He deftly parodies Romantic clichés, using hyperbole and arch humor, while also embracing the more serious elements of the genre rich descriptions, emotional turmoil, unexpected twists, and the exploration of profound themes like friendship versus romantic love. Though an early Romantic himself, Hoffmann’s work resonates with Jane Austen’s critique of sentimentality, making it a rich tapestry of both critique and celebration of the Romantic spirit.
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
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