The King of the Mountains

"The King of the Mountains" by Edmond About is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds through the perspective of Hermann Schultz, a young German botanist who arrives in Greece and becomes entangled in the narratives of brigandage and adventure, primarily focusing on the infamous brigand known as Hadgi-Stavros, or "The King of the Mountains." Schultz forms friendships with various characters, including other expatriates and locals, as he navigates the tension of life in a country rife with banditry and romance. At the start of the novel, Hermann Schultz describes his encounter with an engaging young botanist named Hermann, who shares his experiences in Greece, including a harrowing tale of being kidnapped by Hadgi-Stavros. Their conversation leads to an exploration of Schultz’s fascination with brigandage as a topic of discussion. They move to a cooler space to continue their dialogue, where Schultz takes notes of Hermann's story. As their day unfolds, Schultz grapples with a mixture of intrigue and skepticism regarding the brigands, reflecting on the moral complexities of honoring relationships and the societal impact of such notorious figures. The beginning sets the stage for a narrative rich with themes of adventure, observation, and the cultural contrasts between Western settlers and Greek traditions.