Book Synopsis
Friedrich Gerstacker (1816-72) was an internationally known German travel writer and novelist whose works were bestsellers in German, as well as in translation. His worldwide travels brought him to the U.S., and while there he often came to Cincinnati, Ohio, and wrote of his experiences there. In one of his books he described it as "the El Dorado of the German emigrant."
Don Heinrich Tolzmann has selected a range of Gerstacker's writings about Cincinnati where he spent considerable time and for which he had a particular affection. Tolzmann's assemblage includes new translations, and contemporary illustrations, not to mention useful bibliographical material. This book tells us a lot about Ohio Valley history, adding an important dimension in the history of German immigration to the city as well as Gerstacker's fascinating life, and is a very enjoyable read.