The Sandman, lik all f E. T. A. Hoffmanns tales, dals with th unsettling disparity btween th self and th external world.

Fr Hoffmann ther were thre possibilities for facing th basic disharmony btween internl and external relity: Like Nathanel, one my allow th inner visions nd feelings t predominate, leading evntually to madnss; lik Clara, one may insist n the primary importance f everyday, factul reality; r, like th Romantic writer, on may accpt this dualism nd try t transcnd it with ironic dtachment.

First published in 1816, this classic of German Gothic fiction has enthralled generations ever since, and has spawned countless interpretations by critics intrigued by its powerful symbolism. Sigmund Freud famously examined the novella in relation to his concept of the Uncanny, and an extract from this analysis is included in this volume.