More on Ann Kinzer's #Friday Favourite
This Friday, I am recommending Daniel Kehlmann's Die Vermessung Der Welt (2005) or in English: Measuring of the World. The work has become one of the most successful works that contemporary German literature has to offer. Set in 1828 the book explores the life and friendship of Gauß and Humbold, two very influential German scientists. Of course Kehlmann uses a lot of poetic licence (it's fiction!), but the book is very entertaining and it might make you want to learn more: about the actual life of these two men, about the enlightenment period, about German culture or perhaps about the author himself (who actually comes from a family of writers and directors).
#mflconnect editor's note:
"Die Vermessung der Welt" was a global bestseller and translated into 40 languages. Click here for a Spanish article on the novel, here for a summary in French, an here for an introduction in Italian to the film. Yes, a movie, too! In 2012 Detlev Buck made the book into a widely acclaimed film, and the author Kehlmann has a cameo in it:
However, if you're pressed for time and want a summary - here's "Die Vermessung der Welt" told in 10 minutes with Lego figures (in German):
But please, it is as they say: "Never judge a book by its movie"
