Author: Jerold S. Auerbach

1Joseph in the Snow, and The Clockmaker. Vol. I

By Berthold Auerbach

Nearly Christmas and the precocious and rambunctious Joseph is excited at the prospect of meeting his father (Adam) on the morrow (Christmas Eve). For her part, his unwed mother, Martina, dreads the passage of time, for Adam is now betrothed to another. Adam's overbearing mother - an embittered woman who holds God and others responsible for the tragic death of her other son, Vincent - had refused to countenance a union of her only remaining son with the 'lowly' Martina, who had served as a maid in her household. The young and beautiful Martina does not lack for other suitors but, as she has said, 'I could easily get a good husband, but my Joseph can get no other father than Adam, even if he wished it.' Christmas Eve arrives and little Joseph disappears. Where can the boy be? Has he wandered into the snowy forest where the villagers have seen a wolf on the prowl? What will become of the child? (Summary by Brian Fullen)

2Joseph in the Snow, and The Clockmaker. Vol. II

By Berthold Auerbach

It is an era of mass migration as so many young men seek adventure and fortune abroad. When Lenz and lifelong friend Pilgrim were boys they too had longed to travel. Pilgrim did so, for a time, but not the dutiful Lenz. Lens apprenticed to his father, a master clockmaker. After his father's death, Lenz doted on his mother and she on him. But she too has passed. Lenz has inherited a good family name and a substantial sum. He is a skilled craftsman and a gifted singer. He will marry his clockmaking skill with his passion for music. His childhood dream of travel gone the way of his youth, Lenz must become a master in his own right. It is high time for him to take a wife and start a family. His close-knit circle of friends support him, but they are concerned. Some think that Lenz might be too trusting in the good intentions of others. Even Pilgrim questions the choice Lenz has made for a bride. Establishing one's place in an ever changing world can indeed be a challenge for a young man. How will kind-hearted Lenz fare? - Summary by Brian Fullen

3Joseph in the Snow, and The Clockmaker. Vol. III

By Berthold Auerbach

Surely you've heard it said that you don't just marry the individual, you marry their whole family. Though perhaps at first kindhearted Lenz could only see good in Annele's family, he will soon discover to his distress that misplaced trust can be ruinous. Then too, Lenz can be moody and distant and he is too much a dreamer and too soft a touch to be a good businessman. Just ask Annele! Well, we all have our faults and every marriage has its ups and downs. The marriage of Lenz and Annele will last only if they find a way forward together. Indeed, if they do not unite in the face of the perils that are in store for them, and unless there is the support of those who love them, they may not survive at all! - Summary by Brian Fullen