Fabel von Bahndamm und andere Fablen & Texte

Abstract

"Here is another book about which I can honestly say: "I have no idea what to do with this book!" I believe it honors "VauO," Viktor Otto Stomps, by presenting some of his works along with strong full-page woodcuts. I have tried "Fabel von Maximus, Minimax, Minimus, Maximin" (42). Curious, for sure. Stimulating? Yes. And I have no idea what it means. Next up as a fable is "Fabel von der Metapher und ihrem Genetiv" (47). It plays with the cases of classical grammar. I enjoy the wordplay, as in this sequence. After Genitive says "Ich bin ja leider nur eine Beugung der Nomina," Metaphor responds "Beugung der Nomina, klingt pornographisch." I have trouble seeing if the fun leads anywhere. "Fabel von Bahndamm: Eine Selbstbespiegelung" actually comes last among Stomps' works here. A "Bahndamm" is a railway embankment. This is a more reflective two page account of what goes on in a hut near a railway embankment as trains pass in alternating directions every half hour. Call it highly poetic and suggestive, if you will. I enjoy the bold woodcuts and I am happy for the homage to a man who obviously helped writers and readers. Double pages: This book is only 71 pages long."