Der Zauberkaftan

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23740

Title

Der Zauberkaftan

Language

de

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in turbulent 18th-century Hungary, this novel explores the chaos of war, rampant banditry, and the moral decay of a besieged town. Mikszáth weaves a darkly comic yet poignant tale of greed, love, and redemption, centering on a magical cloak that symbolizes the corrupting power of ambition and the resilience of the human spirit amidst destruction.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the chaotic backdrop of 18th-century Hungary, Kálmán Mikszáth's *The Magic Kaftan* depicts the besieged town of Kecskemét as a victim of relentless raids by Turks, Cossacks, and Kuruts. The narrative centers on the town's desperate struggle to survive, where trade is constantly disrupted and the populace is forced to pay exorbitant ransoms for the release of captured priests and the return of stolen women. Amidst this turmoil, the town's magistrates, driven by a mix of greed and misplaced honor, embark on a disastrous expedition to the Sultan's court to acquire a legendary 'Magic Kaftan.' The quest fails spectacularly; the envoys return with the cloak but are met with fury from their own citizens, who view the expenditure as a humiliating waste of resources. Consequently, the magistrate Max Lestyák is arrested and imprisoned by the angry mob. The story deepens through the tragic romance between Max and Czinna, a young woman he has loved for years. To save Max from execution and secure a marriage proposal, Czinna betrays the city's secrets, revealing that the Kaftan was actually stolen and that she had facilitated its creation to win Max's hand. Despite her confession, the town's council votes for her execution. As the execution is about to proceed, a dramatic rescue occurs. Max, revealed to possess a dual nature as both a ruthless enforcer and a devoted lover, breaks free from his chains. He rescues Czinna just before the beheading, revealing his true character to the terrified crowd. The novel concludes with Max's mysterious disappearance, leaving the town to wait for his eventual return. Through this blend of historical realism and fairy-tale elements, Mikszáth critiques societal greed and the destructive nature of honor, while ultimately celebrating the endurance of true love against the odds.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23740.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg23740.epub

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2026-07-06 20:40 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Hungary