Colportage Novels: Literature for the Masses in the 19th Century

Colportage novels were inexpensive, printed on cheap paper, and sold in individual installments. They made literature accessible to rural populations who had no access to lending libraries. The novels were delivered in serialized parts of usually 32 pages, making them affordable even for less wealthy readers.

Characteristics of Colportage Novels

These novels were characterized by several typical features:

• Exciting, often exaggerated plots
• Clear good-versus-evil characterizations
• Simple, understandable language
• Dramatic turning points at the end of each delivery
• Extensive complete works (sometimes over 4000 pages)
• Sensational themes such as crime, love, and adventure

Historical Development

Colportage literature emerged in the 15th century with religious writings and folk books. Knight and horror novels dominated in the 18th century. With increasing literacy during the Enlightenment, the demand for entertaining reading material grew.

The golden age of colportage novels was in the 19th century, when they played an important role in the distribution of literature in rural areas. Towards the end of the century, they lost significance due to the emergence of newspapers, illustrated magazines, and public libraries.

Famous Authors and Works

Among the most famous colportage novels are:

• Karl May's "Waldröschen" (1882-1884) - considered the most successful colportage novel of the 19th century
• John Retcliffe's "Nena Sahib or the Uprising in India" (1858)
• N.J. Anders' "Kornblume und Veilchen" - at 4808 pages, the longest continuous novel in the German language
• Victor von Falk's "The Executioner of Berlin" (1890) - the most discussed colportage novel of its time

Karl May wrote a total of five extensive colportage novels for the Münchmeyer publishing house, including "The Love of the Uhlan" and "The Lost Son."

Cultural Significance

Although colportage novels were often viewed as inferior literature, they shaped the intellectual image of many people in the 19th century. They democratized access to literature and contributed to reading promotion. Today, they are regarded as important testimonies of popular culture and reading behavior of their time.