Karl-Ludwig Sand by Alexandre Dumas
Karl-Ludwig Sand is a novel by Alexandre Dumas, first published in 1846. It tells the story of Karl-Ludwig Sand, a German student who is accused of murdering the poet August von Kotzebue in 1819. The novel follows Karl-Ludwig's trial and his subsequent imprisonment. It also explores the political and social climate of Germany at the time, as well as the philosophical and religious debates that were taking place. Karl-Ludwig is portrayed as a passionate and idealistic young man who is determined to prove his innocence. He is aided by his lawyer, who is determined to uncover the truth behind the murder. The novel is a gripping and suspenseful story that explores the themes of justice, freedom, and morality. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that is sure to leave readers with much to ponder.
By Alexandre Dumas · First published 1839 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Biography, Adventure · 22,607 words
First lines
On the 22nd of March, 1819, about nine o'clock in the morning, a young man, some twenty-three or twenty-four years old, wearing the dress of a German student, which consists of a short frock-coat with silk braiding, tight trousers, and high boots, paused upon a little eminence that stands upon the road between Kaiserthal and Mannheim, at about three-quarters of the distance from the former town, and commands a view of the latter. Mannheim is seen rising calm and smiling amid gardens which once were ramparts, and which now surround and embrace it like a girdle of foliage and flowers. Having reached this spot, he lifted his cap, above the peak of which were embroidered three interlaced oak leaves in silver, and uncovering his brow, stood bareheaded for a moment to feel the fresh air that rose from the valley of the Neckar. At first sight his irregular features produced a strange impression; but before long the pallor of his face, deeply marked by smallpox, the infinite gentleness of his eyes, and the elegant framework of his long and flowing black hair, which grew in an admirable curve around a broad, high forehead, attracted towards him that emotion of sad sympathy to which we yield without inquiring its reason or dreaming of resistance. Though it was still early, he seemed already to have come some distance, for his boots were covered with dust; but no doubt he was nearing his destination, for, letting his cap drop, and hooking into his belt his long pipe, that inseparable companion of the German Borsch, he drew from his pocket a little note-book, and wrote in it with a pencil: "Left Wanheim at five in the morning, came in sight of Mannheim at a quarter-past nine." Then putting his note-book back into his pocket, he stood motionless for a moment, his lips moving as though in mental prayer, picked up his hat, and walked on again with a firm step towards Mannheim.
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Karl-Ludwig Sand is listed on Textopian as a novel by Alexandre Dumas, dated 1839 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Alexandre Dumas
- Date: 1839 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Biography, Adventure, Romance
- Length: 22,607 words
- Structure: 1 section, 685 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is based on the life of Karl-Ludwig Sand, a real-life figure, and is written by Alexandre Dumas, a renowned historical fiction author.
- Biography — The book is based on the life of Karl-Ludwig Sand, a real-life figure, and is written in a biographical style.
- Adventure — The book follows the life of Karl-Ludwig Sand, a real-life figure, and is written by Alexandre Dumas, a renowned adventure author.
- Romance — The book follows the life of Karl-Ludwig Sand, a real-life figure, and is written by Alexandre Dumas, a renowned romance author.
Tags
Biography · Crime · Crime Nonfiction · Criminals · Social Studies · country · courage · day · death · die · dittmar · family