Ladislav Klima The Sufferings of Prince Sternenhoch

Annotation

The Sufferings of Prince Sternenhoch is the only full-length work of fiction Klima prepared for publication during his lifetime. In a series of journal entries, the book chronicles the descent into madness of Prince Sternenhoch, the German Empire’s foremost aristocrat and favorite to the Kaiser. Having become the “lowliest worm” at the hands of his deceased wife Helga, the Queen of Hells, he eventually attains an ultimate state of bliss and salvation. Klíma explores here the paradoxical nature of pure spirituality with dark absurdist humor and comically grostesque, often obscene, scenes. This volume also includes Klima's notorious essay “My Autobiography.” Though Klíma’ work has been translated into many languages, this is the first book of his to appear in English.