Lasswitz, Kurd (1848–1910), German writer, philosopher, and scientist. Although Lasswitz is considered one of the pioneers of science fiction in Germany, he also wrote experimental fairy tales. In Seifenblasen: Moderne Märchen (Soap Bubbles: Modern Fairy Tales, 1890) and Nie und Nimmer: Neue Märchen (Nevermore: New Fairy Tales, 1902) he tried to integrate ethical, political, and scientific thinking that broke with traditional fairy‐tale patterns. For example, in ‘Tröpfchen’ (‘Little Drop’, 1890) the ‘romantic hero’ of this tale is a drop of water that reflects critically about his bizarre encounters as he journeys through the world and observes injustices, exploitation, and suicide as well as courage and love.
— Jack Zipes
