TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE

Rudolph Baumbach is a poet. He was born in Thuringia, and now lives in Leipsic, where he is a favorite both as a writer and in society. Most of his works have been written in verse, which is spontaneous, full of melody, and as witty as Heine, but perfectly free from bitterness. He draws his inspiration largely from the Alps. His "Zlatorog," an Alpine story, has reached the twenty-second edition, and the "Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen" and "Frau Holde" are each in the thirteenth edition.

The present collection of short stories has been taken from two little volumes in prose, entitled, "Sommer-Märchen" and "Erzählungen und Märchen," which have been very popular in Germany. More than eleven editions of the first volume have been sold, and six of the second. They have also been published with handsome illustrations by Paul Mohn. The stories are remarkable for their grace and simplicity of style. They are full of originality and wit, with occasional touches of keen satire, showing knowledge of the world as well as a familiarity with every bird and flower and creature in forest, field, and mountain. The stories are more for young people than children, yet the "Easter Rabbit" will be enjoyed by the little ones, while the fun in the "Ass's Spring" will appeal to children of a larger growth. They are not altogether fairy-tales, though all border on the marvellous, and sprites, elves, and other mysterious folk from Wonderland play a conspicuous part.

Helen B. Dole
Boston, April 18, 1888