Karl Ettlinger's Mister Galgenstrick: und andere Humoresken is a delightful trip into early 20th-century German humor. Written between 1909 and the 1920s, these stories capture a world of small-town life, social manners, and the everyday absurdities that come with being human.

The Story

The book is a collection of short sketches, with the title piece following the misadventures of the titular 'Mister Galgenstrick'—a name suggesting a 'gallows bird' or rascal. He's not a villain, but a perpetually unlucky and slightly hapless fellow. The 'conflict' is simply life itself. In one story, he might get tangled in a ridiculous bureaucratic mix-up. In another, a well-meant gesture backfires spectacularly. The other 'Humoresken' in the collection follow similar themes, poking fun at pompous officials, romantic misunderstandings, and the quirks of different social classes. There's no epic plot, just a series of beautifully observed, comedic moments.

Why You Should Read It

I fell for this book because of its heart. Ettlinger's humor isn't mean or slapstick; it's intelligent and forgiving. He laughs with his characters, not at them. You get the sense he genuinely liked people, flaws and all. Reading it feels like discovering a quieter, literary cousin to Charlie Chaplin's Little Tramp. There's a timeless quality to the comedy—we've all known a Mister Galgenstrick or felt like one ourselves. It's also a fascinating, gentle window into a specific time and place that feels both distant and strangely familiar.

Final Verdict

This one is perfect for readers who love character-driven humor, classic short stories, or are curious about early 20th-century European literature. If you enjoy authors like P.G. Wodehouse for their clever wit and cozy worlds, but prefer a more grounded, Central European flavor, you'll find a lot to love here. It's not a page-turning thriller; it's a book to savor in small doses, with a cup of coffee, when you need a smart, warm chuckle. A truly under-appreciated classic of comic writing.