"The Mandrake" (1911) has been in the history of literature as a footnote to the page in the turbulent evolution of literary terror, we of course a morass of immortal short stories, novels, myth, etc ... where it is very difficult in a glorious note. It is a recognized work in circles of fans of the genre, a book of worship that many people have heard about but may not have been so read. To make matters worse, the two best editions of the work (Alfaguara and Valdemar ) are, unless I am mistaken, or about to be discontinued, so I recommend to any fan of the genre that has not read it yet to run at for some copies. Not Dracula , although Ewers prose is sometimes more twisted and morbid than Stoker, nor Frankenstein although the issue of creating an artificial being with dire consequences are taken to a new level by the author. And speaking of the author ... Hence if there are material to cut.
German Hanns Heinz Ewers (1871-1943) was a restless writer. Poet, storyteller, songwriter sinister satire and fables, philosopher and opera librettist as well interested in the occult. In fact corresponded frequently with the beast in person: Aleister Crowley . He was also one of the first writers to collaborate with the emerging art of film, developing the script for "The Student of Prague" , an early silent classics of the macabre, Poe adapted to . In his spare time was devoted to espionage, to nomadism love traveling and Greek. And finally to fix it, was an incipient Nazi-party collaborator attracted by the philosophy of nationalism épico/germano-, only to be kicked out of himself for his lack of anti-Semitism and his penchant for sodomy. Result? Despite being vindicated by renowned writers such as Dashiell Hammett or HP Lovecraft, his books were systematically ignored in the post-(second) World War, ending with the poor reputation and he was ostracized from dark scribes, "weirdos" occult y. .. in short, pure worship. And to this day.
Although "The Mandrake" (original title "Alraune" ) be part of a kind of trilogy that features a Frank Braun , can be read independently without any problems. The said Braun is an alter-ego's own Ewers, namely, widely traveled, philosopher and scoundrel carefully. On this occasion, is dedicated to inspiring the creation of a new baby via artificial insemination. The time was to blend this concept with the classic genre of "mad doctors", but in a totally amoral, 100% black and morbid. The home of the scientist in question, Dr. Be familiar Brinken crazy goat-Braun is a hive of denatured relatives each more bizarre and malicious, full of legal tricks and lust hidden. A perfect breeding ground for the concept of the unnatural daughter-product of mixing the sperm of a hanged man in the womb of a prostitute, "is conceived. The plan is to create a child of perfect horror. An evil being born, educated in evil and propagator of it in a series of ironic prints Traditionalists will go from one side to another of the German social scale before the war causing suicides, ruining fortunes, dishonoring eminent men and all without ever see his reputation damaged. In fact, all falling under the spell of his eyes grim 
just entering the fires of hell with the greatest love for her. As sated satisfied after a dangerous but lovely addiction.
The genius of the story is, apart from its frenzied pace does not let up, is the apparent absence of terrifying atmosphere. More than a work of horror this is a modernized Gothic tale that uses the classical sources and nature of medieval horrors unleashed to weave a parody of some aspects of German society of the time involved in a language of decadence "pulp" high voltage. The very Alraune (perfidious because they have done so) enter into the tradition "vamp" deceitful and malignant of female snakes, prototype fear of "vagina dentata" so many rivers of ink were afraid to run to some scholars. But one thing that distinguishes "The Mandrake" from other exponents of the narrative "grotesque" first-century-style Keeler, for instance something far away in miles and intentions, is that poetic language that is clear many of the paragraphs. Ewers get frightened and repulsed, but without abandoning certain lyricism that creeps into descriptions of formalin, alcohol smelling slums and dark forests of rain wet grass. Each page of the book contains at least one twisted link, a sentence or paragraph that invite the unrest, while we can not fail to be entranced by a narrative almost perfect in its study and precious banality. Sinister adventures, comedy, an almost necrophiliac eroticism and sleaze that more than one should not really understand at the time of publication of the novel.
In closing, I leave two samples of the excellent scholarship of blogs and Grandpa's Attic Signor Formica, that need no introduction and will for more information on this damned and magnificent work. For an excellent biography of Mr. Ewers is nothing better than this link:
HH Ewers, THE DARK KNIGHT
in which you enteraréis of the dirt and literary character of this claim. And if you review a movie based on his magnum opus, here you will find: UNNATURAL
Because, in effect, despite its cult status little book, "The Mandrake" has been adapted films do not one, not two, but five times! (Mostly in the window period) and outlined above, involving protagonist of Eric Von Stroheim himself . Here you will find more information and I can not but leave you with some of the most beautiful posters of the adaptations.
