William Tell Series: World Literature for Children Title: William Tell 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: Spring 2004 German ISBN: 978-3-934029-18-7 Ages: 7 and up

Material available: German review copy

THE STORY:

The Swiss people never accepted the Austrian occupation during the 13th century. But when Gessler, one of the most feared oppressors ordered all men of the small village of Altdorf to greet a hat on a pole and to pretend that it was himself, Gessler went too far. William Tell, a brave and honest man, ignored the senseless order and got arrested. Gessler and all villagers watched anxiously as Tell was forced to shoot an apple from his son´s head. Still even after Tell succeeded, Gessler would not let him go. But he underestimated Tell´s determination to free his country.

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. Since 1995 he is holding a professorship at the Hamburg Academy of Art.