This second volume deepens the Devil's sardonic observations of early 19th-century European society through three interconnected narratives. Opening with a playful legal satire where Satan's publisher faces charges of literary fraud, the volume cleverly mocks the bureaucratic and legal systems of the German states.

The narrative then moves to Frankfurt during Pentecost, where Satan observes the emerging world of international finance and speculation. Through the story of a lovesick merchant, Hauff provides fascinating insights into Jewish-Christian relations of the period, the rise of banking houses like Rothschild, and the transformation of traditional European society by modern capitalism.

The volume's centerpiece is a tragic love story set in Rome, which Hauff uses to explore religious conversion, cultural conflicts between Protestant Germany and Catholic Italy, and the personal cost of social ambition. This section is particularly notable for its critique of religious hypocrisy and its nuanced portrayal of interfaith relationships.

This annotated translation preserves both Hauff's intricate prose and his multiple layers of meaning. Extensive footnotes help modern readers understand the historical, cultural, and literary references that would have been familiar to Hauff's contemporary audience.

Perfect for scholars, students, and general readers interested in:

• German Romantic literature and satire
• 19th-century European finance and society
• Religious and cultural conflicts
• Gothic literature and supernatural tales
• Historical fiction and social commentary