These stories form the first volume of the renowned Tales of Hoffman. They are fantasies with hints of the supernaturalÑquintessential Romanticism. Writers of the Romantic period typically seek to lift the spirit to awe, wonder, love, horror, or other extremes of emotion. Hoffmann is drawn to such experiences, particularly as they relate to the creative process. Although he occasionally arouses them in the reader, he more often examines them critically or, in the case of hysterical excesses, especially infatuation, satirizes them. (Translated by J. T. Bealby)