Americana Germanica Volume 31-33 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ...the performances of Egmont and Altdorf. "John Banim (1798-1842) published "The O'Hara. Tales" in 1825. The second of these is entitled "The Fetches." plot and incidents perhaps we cannot do better than copy the London Courier the day after its first performance at the English Opera House. "The story is founded on a popular German superstition and the arrangement and management of it for dramatic purposes, are taken almost entirely from the 'Tales of the O'Hara Family'. The superstition that the deaths of individuals are foretold by the appearance of forms resembling theirs, is of so great antiquity, and there is not a reader of Ghostly Lore, who will not readily point out a variety of marvellous stories founded on it.... "The Death Fetch is a solitary and silent sort of visitor, associated only with the thoughts of Death, without any of the inspirating accompaniments of deviltry or violence. The Opera begins with the arrival of Ludolph, the suitor of Matilda Rothe; we lear n from his conversation with Matilda that her sister, Louisa, is receiving the addresses of Ebert--and that he is turning her brain with stories and hobgoblins and dissertations on metaphysics. "Ebert and Louisa now make their appearance and their conversation turns upon the appearance of the Death Fetch. In another scene, Matilda and Louisa are waiting in the evening for Ebert. After a long delay, he or something bearing his resemblance, enters the room and seats himself or itself upon the sofa by Louisa. Offended by Ebert's supposed neglect--she at first takes no notice, but Matilda after speaking and receiving no answer, retires in alarm. Louisa now begins to feel the influence of terror, ...