interactions with his librarian, Pigault-Lebrun. The beginning of the collection introduces the first story, "Wider den Strom," which offers a glimpse into the life of Jérôme Napoleon as he reflects on his position and the burdens of royalty. Set in the royal palace, Jérôme displays a mix of melancholy and humor while speaking with Pigault, who serves as both confidant and comic relief. Their conversation touches on personal grievances and the king’s complex relationship with his brother, Napoleon Bonaparte. This blend of serious themes with comedic undertones sets the tone for the tales that are to follow, promising readers a mix of levity and introspection as they explore the world of humor crafted by Eckstein. (This is an automatically generated summary.)