Der Bauernspiegel

"Der Bauernspiegel" is the debut novel written by Albert Bitzius, who adopted the pen name Jeremias Gotthelf. Published in 1837, it offers a realistic portrayal of rural life in the Bernese region of Switzerland, specifically in the Emmental valley. Though written in German, the novel incorporates expressions from the Bernese dialect. It is worth noting that Gotthelf himself was not a farmer but rather a clergyman, belonging to the educated class. Consequently, "Der Bauernspiegel" does not recount his personal experiences but rather reflects what he observed in his surroundings. The novel was highly successful, primarily due to its depiction of authentic rural life, devoid of romanticized portrayals commonly associated with the 18th century.