The Robbers Series: World Literature for Children Title: The Robbers Original Author: Friedrich Schiller Retold by: Barbara Kindermann Artist: Klaus Ensikat Extent: 36 pp, 4/c throughout Format: 220 x 300 mm Pub. price: EUR 15,50 Pub. date: February 2010 German ISBN: 3-934029-36-1 Ages: 7 and up

Material available: German review example

THE STORY:

Maximilian, Count von Moor, has two sons: Karl, the older, is charismatic, good-looking, honest and the Old Moor’s favorite son; Franz, the younger, is mean, ugly, egoistic ¬ and he hates Karl. After some wild years as a student in Leipzig, Karl remorsefully writes to his father to ask forgiveness. But Franz intercepts the letter and tricks the father in believing that Karl has disgraced the family’s name – as a result, Maximilian banishes his eldest son from home. Filled with bitterness, Karl forms a gang of robbers in order to revenge the injustice he has suffered. After some time as the head of the robber’s gang, Karl has second thoughts about his life. But as he returns home, he only discovers his brother’s scrupulous game with him, his father and his love Amalia …

Friedrich Schiller’s “The Robbers”, published in the successful series “World Literature for Children”, is marvelously retold by Barbara Kindermann, whose version still mirrors closely Schiller’s original. Klaus Ensikat’s impressive illustrations add further dramatic tension to this exciting story about intrigues, love and freedom.

THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR:

Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805) was one of Germany´s greatest playwrights. However, originally, Schiller wanted to become vicar but was made to study law and medicine instead. His life as a free author was full of depriviations, which caused him serious health problems. During the last years of his life he was greatly inspired by his friendship with Goethe. With freedom being the main motive in his writings, it was Goethe who suggested Tell`s story to his friend. Schiller handled the saga brillantly and today his Tell is still played successfully, both on stage and on screen.

THE ARTIST:

Klaus Ensikat, born in 1937, is one of Germany's most brilliant illustrators. For his work he won numerous awards and for his complete oeuvre he got the most important international mark of honour: the Hans-Christian-Andersen medal. Between 1995 and 2003 Klaus Ensikat held a professorship at the Hamburg Academy of Art.