Mister Galgenstrick: und andere Humoresken by Karl Ettlinger
Read "Mister Galgenstrick: und andere Humoresken by Karl Ettlinger" Online
This book is available in the public domain. Start reading the digital edition below.
START READING FULL BOOKBook Preview
A short preview of the book’s content is shown below to give you an idea of its style and themes.
I stumbled upon this collection almost by accident, and what a happy accident it was. Karl Ettlinger was a German-Jewish humorist writing in the early 1900s, and his work has this wonderful, timeless bite.
The Story
The book is a series of short, sharp 'humoresken' or humorous sketches. The star is the title story, 'Mister Galgenstrick.' It’s about a man who, facing a bizarre social predicament, decides the logical solution is to hire a professional hangman as a consultant. What follows is a masterclass in awkwardness, as this gentleman of death tries to fit into polite society. The other stories poke fun at bureaucracy, human vanity, and the strange rules we live by, all with Ettlinger’s signature raised eyebrow.
Why You Should Read It
Ettlinger’s genius is in taking something dark—a hangman!—and making the humor come from the sheer, stuffy normality around him. The characters aren't evil; they’re just hilariously committed to their own flawed logic. Reading it, I kept thinking, 'This feels so modern.' His jokes aren't dated puns; they're observations about human nature that still ring true. There’s a clever, quiet sadness underneath the laughs, a sense of the author observing a world on the brink of immense change.
Final Verdict
This is perfect for readers who enjoy dark comedy like the Coen Brothers or satirists like Saki. It’s also a fantastic pick if you’re interested in early 20th-century European literature but want something lighter than a dense novel. Each story is a quick, satisfying bite—great for a commute or before bed. Just be prepared to explain why you’re chuckling at a book with 'gallows' in the title.
This publication is available for unrestricted use. You do not need permission to reproduce this work.
Mary Torres
1 year agoFive stars!
Jennifer Ramirez
2 months agoAs someone who reads a lot, the content flows smoothly from one chapter to the next. A valuable addition to my collection.
Susan Garcia
3 months agoGood quality content.
Charles Wright
2 months agoHaving read this twice, the clarity of the writing makes this accessible. Don't hesitate to start reading.
Edward Lee
1 year agoA must-have for anyone studying this subject.