Max und Moritz: Eine Bubengeschichte in sieben Streichen by Wilhelm Busch

(11 User reviews)   4017
By Charlotte Girard Posted on Nov 15, 2025
In Category - Philosophy
Busch, Wilhelm, 1832-1908 Busch, Wilhelm, 1832-1908
German
Ever wonder where cartoon mischief began? Meet Max and Moritz, two troublemakers from 1865 Germany who make Dennis the Menace look tame. This illustrated story in rhyme follows their seven escalating pranks on their long-suffering village. From tormenting a widow's chickens to sabotaging a teacher's pipe, their antics are darkly hilarious. But this isn't just a kids' book—it's a surprisingly sharp, early look at bad behavior and its consequences, told with wicked humor. It’s short, iconic, and you’ll see its influence everywhere from comics to cartoons. A classic that’s both fun and a little bit shocking.
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first to create an interest in this important subject. Since then Dr. Seiss, of Philadelphia, has endeavoured to popularize her work on the other side of the Atlantic; and brief references have been made to the subject in such books as _Moses and Geology_, by Dr. Kinns, and in _Primeval Man_; but it was felt, for many reasons, that it was desirable to make another effort to set forth, in a more complete form, the _witness of the stars to prophetic truth_, so necessary in these last days. To the late Miss Rolleston, however, belongs the honour of collecting a mass of information bearing on this subject; but, published as it was, chiefly in the form of _notes_, unarranged and unindexed, it was suited only for, but was most valuable to, the student. She it was who performed the drudgery of collecting the facts presented by Albumazer, the Arab astronomer to the Caliphs of Grenada, 850 A.D.; and the Tables drawn up by Ulugh Beigh, the Tartar prince and astronomer, about 1450 A.D., who gives the Arabian Astronomy as it had come down from the earliest times. Modern astronomers have preserved, and still have in common use, the ancient names of over a hundred of the principal stars which have been handed down; but now these names are used merely as a convenience, and without any reference to their significance. This work is an attempt to popularize this ancient information, and to use it in the interests of truth. For the ancient astronomical facts and the names, with their signification, I am, from the very nature of the case, indebted, of course, to all who have preserved, collected, and handed them down; but for their interpretation I am alone responsible. It is for the readers to judge how far my conclusions are borne out by the evidence; and how far the foundation of our hopes of coming glory are strengthened by the prophecies which have been written in the stars of heaven, as well as in the Scriptures of truth. For the illustrations I am greatly indebted to Jamieson’s _Celestial Atlas_, 1820; Flammarion’s _L’Étoiles_; Sir John W. Lubbock’s _Stars in Six Maps_, 1883; and to the late Mr. Edward J. Cooper’s _Egyptian Scenery_, 1820. For the general presentation and arrangement of the Constellations I am responsible, while for the drawings my thanks are due to my friend Miss Amy Manson. It is the possession of “that blessed hope” of Christ’s speedy return from Heaven which will give true interest in the great subject of this book. No one can dispute the antiquity of the Signs of the Zodiac, or of the Constellations. No one can question the accuracy of the ancient star‐names which have come down to us, for they are still preserved in every good celestial atlas. And we hope that no one will be able to resist the cumulative evidence that, apart from God’s grace in Christ there is no hope for sinners now: and apart from God’s glory, as it will be manifested in the return of Christ from Heaven, there is no hope for the Church, no hope for Israel, no hope for the world, no hope for a groaning creation. In spite of all the vaunted promises of a religious World, and of a worldly Church, to remove the effects of the curse by a Social Gospel of Sanitation, we are more and more shut up to the prophecy of Gen. iii. 15, which we wait and long to see fulfilled in Christ as our only hope. This is beautifully expressed by the late Dr....

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First published in 1865, Max und Moritz is a German picture book that feels like the great-grandfather of modern cartoons. Told in simple, catchy rhymes, it follows two boys with bowl-cut hair and a talent for chaos.

The Story

Max and Moritz execute seven "pranks" on the adults in their village. Their targets include Widow Bolte and her prized chickens, the tailor, the teacher, and Uncle Fritz. Their methods are creative, cruel, and often involve food or minor property destruction. The story doesn't shy away from the consequences, either for the victims or, ultimately, for the boys themselves. The ending is famously abrupt and darkly moral, wrapping up their reign of terror in a way that would never fly in a modern children's book.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a cultural touchstone. Reading it, you can see the direct line to The Katzenjammer Kids and even Tom and Jerry. Busch's drawings are expressive and funny, doing half the storytelling. The real charm is in the contrast: the sweet, singsong rhythm of the verses paired with genuinely mean-spirited jokes. It's a fascinating, unfiltered look at 19th-century humor and ideas about childhood, discipline, and justice. It makes you laugh, then makes you think, 'Wait, did that just happen?'

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone interested in the history of comics and animation, or for readers who enjoy classic tales with a wicked edge. It's a quick, engaging read that holds up surprisingly well. Don't expect a warm, fuzzy bedtime story—expect a masterclass in visual comedy and a piece of cultural history that's still mischievously entertaining over 150 years later.



ℹ️ Open Access

This digital edition is based on a public domain text. Feel free to use it for personal or commercial purposes.

Liam Rodriguez
8 months ago

I came across this while browsing and the narrative structure is incredibly compelling. Definitely a 5-star read.

William Nguyen
10 months ago

I didn't expect much, but the atmosphere created is totally immersive. I learned so much from this.

Elijah Lopez
1 year ago

Great reference material for my coursework.

Margaret Gonzalez
1 year ago

Recommended.

Betty Williams
1 year ago

I was skeptical at first, but the clarity of the writing makes this accessible. One of the best books I've read this year.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (11 User reviews )

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