The Ghost-Seer

The brooding, introverted Count von O- arrives in Venice during the carnival in order to escape from his duties and live incognito. But after encountering a enigmatic Armenian stranger who makes an uncanny pronouncement, a bizarre chain of events unfolds, involving a Jesuit secret society, a ghostly seance and a mysterious Sicilian magician – leading the Count to question his faith and morality.

First serialized in 1787–89, this multilayered, fragmentary novel – which gave Friedrich Schiller a platform to expound his Enlightenment ideas on society and religion – has thrilled and engaged lovers of Gothic literature for over two centuries.

About the Author

Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805) was a German playwright and historian, widely regarded as the national dramatist of Germany and second only to Goethe in importance. Towards the end of his life, he struck up a tempestuous yet productive friendship with Goethe, and together they founded the Weimar Theatre, which went on to become the leading theatre in Germany. Practically and artistically, their collaboration lead to a renaissance of German drama. His best-known plays include The Robbers, William Tell, The Wallenstein Trilogy and Mary Stuart.