Reading German Books in 2020 discussion

Daniel Kehlmann is frequently described as the literary “Wunderkind” of German letters, and Die Vermessung der Welt / Measuring the World is the novel that gave rise to this reputation. It is certainly a novel full of wonders, and I’ve read it twice. It is one of those novels that hovers around the fringes of my top 10 of all time. Both previous reads were in English. For this group read I’m challenging myself to read it in German.! I’ll be taking it slowly .... 😉

Originally published in 2005, Measuring the World has established itself as a modern classic. There is a lot to discuss, I can’t find an online reading guide. There must be one somewhere. If anyone finds one, please post a link on this thread. I’ll translate to English if it’s in German.

Should anyone be interested in supplementary reading material, I can recommend two books by Andrea Wulf about Alexander von Humboldt: her award-winning non-fiction “The Invention of Nature” and her graphic novel, illustrated by Lilian Melchier, “The Adventures of Alexander vin Humboldt”.

Can anyone recommend supplementary material on Carl Gauss?

Glad you liked it, Christiane.

As I said I’m rereading it slowly in German, one chapter between other books. Just off to read chapter 2 ..


Loved the curmudgeonly but far-seeing Gauss of chapter one.

Christiane wrote: ""curmudgeonly" new word, nice."

So too is der Brummbär.

Is anyone reading along with Christiane and me?

I’ve just reached the half-way point - I’m always this slow when re-reading between other books.

i’m wondering what folk make of the two genii? Both impossible to live with probably but I’m willing to forgive Gauss his ill-timed moments of inspiration. Humboldt’s insatiable curiosity on the other hand went much too far with the dogs and the crocodile. Sounds like a fable doesn’t it? Unfortunately not.

I read it in German too, but not had the energy to review properly. I preferred the chapters on Gauß than on Humboldt.

What to make of Bonpland?

Did you realise on May 6th it was the 140th year anniversary of Humboldt’s death. The Irish Times had an excellent article on him with a summary of his major achievements.
I am reading the book and although have a wee way to go to finishing am enjoying it immensely,