Berthold Auerbach 
Christian Gellert’s Last Christmas 
From ‘German Tales’ Published by the American Publishers’ Corporation

Berthold Auerbach’s ‘Christian Gellert’s Last Christmas’ is a poignant and emotionally charged novella that explores themes of faith, morality, and the human experience. Set in 18th century Germany, the book follows the titular character, Christian Gellert, a struggling pastor who faces a crisis of faith during his final Christmas. Auerbach’s writing style is deeply introspective, with rich descriptions and vivid imagery that immerse the reader in Gellert’s inner turmoil. The novella is a prime example of 19th century German Romantic literature, known for its exploration of intense emotions and moral dilemmas.