Der Garten des Paradieses: Dramatische Rhapsodie aus Andersen

Item Details

Zurich, Rascher & Co. Verlag, 1918

INSCRIBED on half title (in German) translated "For the benefit of the of the relief campaign for Hungarian children Davos. Winterthur, in December 1919 Hans Reinhart." Octavo; 63 pp. Near Fine copy in 1/2 vellum over grey paper-covered boards, top edge gilt; ribbon tie, title in gold to spine and upper board. 

A scarce inscribed copy of Swiss poet and dramatist Hans Reinhart's dramatic adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Garden of Paradise". The inscription is of particular historical interest, dedicating the book “for the benefit of the relief action for Hungarian children, Davos,” and dated December 1919. It connects the book directly with the Swiss humanitarian relief efforts for Hungarian children that developed in the immediate aftermath of the First World War. The Swiss Hilfsaktion für ungarische Kinder grew out of initiatives begun in 1919 and subsequently organized large-scale programs bringing Hungarian children to Switzerland for recuperative stays.

A dramatic adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, by the Swiss poet and playwright Hans Reinhart (1880–1963). Reinhart was a devoted admirer of Andersen and adapted three of his tales for the stage, Der Garten des Paradieses forming part of a trilogy that also included Die arme Mutter und der Tod and Der Schatten. His Andersen adaptations were later set to music by the composer Felix Petyrek.