Publisher's Synopsis
The Cremona Violin is a gothic horror novella written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, first published in 1818. The story follows the life of a renowned violinist named Giuseppe del Prato, who becomes obsessed with a mysterious Cremona violin that he acquires. The violin seems to possess a supernatural power that enchants and manipulates Giuseppe, leading him down a path of madness and destruction. As Giuseppe's obsession with the violin grows, he begins to lose touch with reality and becomes increasingly isolated from those around him. The story is a haunting exploration of the dangers of obsession and the power of art to consume and transform those who pursue it. Hoffmann's vivid descriptions of the violin and its effects on Giuseppe create a chilling and unforgettable tale that has become a classic of gothic literature.I am perfectly convinced that there is something especially exceptional in its inner construction, and that, if I took it to pieces, a secret would be revealed to me which have long been seeking to discover, but--laugh at me if you like--this senseless thing which only gives signs of life and sound as I make it, often speaks to me in a strange way. The first time I played upon it I somehow fancied that I was only the magnetizer who has the power of moving his subject to reveal of his own accord in words the visions of his inner nature.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
