Adalbert Stifter (1805–68) is generally recognised in German-speaking countries to be the greatest prose-writer of Austria. First published in 1948, this was the first complete study of his work to appear in English. Stifter was born and dwelt in the village of Oberplan on the southern fringe of Bohemia. His life was uneventful, and Mr Blackall's concern is biographical study only so far as the life and background are important in a full understanding of the writings. His plan is to first give an account and analysis of Der Nachsommer, Stifter's greatest book and the work of his maturity, and to make this novel the key to all his other work as well as to his life and thought.