Die Familie Pfäffling

Agnes Sapper (1852-1929) was one of the most successful and widely read German-speaking authors of children's literature in the early 20th century, alongside Johanna Spyri and Ottilie Wildermuth. Her most famous novel and greatest success is "The Pfäffling Family." Mother Pfäffling is modeled after Sapper's own mother, Pauline, to whom she dedicated the book. The novel demonstrates a realistic portrayal of everyday life, even as it presents a harmonious and reconciliatory image of marriage and family. From the book: "How much work was done at the large table under the hanging lamp in the Pfäffling family, which was already lit by 5 o'clock! Of the four brothers, one was writing in Greek, another in Latin, the third in French, and the fourth in German. One stared into the air, searching for clever ideas for his essay, another flipped through the encyclopedia, the third mumbled lists of verbs, and the fourth scribbled calculations on his slate. In between, there was also some chatting and questioning, pushing and protesting, as well as coughing and blowing, as November brings. The mother sat at the top of the table with the mending basket, next to her was Elschen, who was supposed to keep herself busy quietly, which didn’t always succeed.".