Book excerpt: One of Germany's greatest writers, Schiller is best known for his influential dramatic works. The Man Who Sees Ghosts, his only novel, was first published in 1789 and proved to be his most popular work, mainly owing to its masterful treatment of the then fashionable theme of the occult. While in Venice, a young prince of Protestant faith becomes embroiled in a diabolical net of political intrigue and religious conspiracy. Fate takes its course and steers relentlessly towards a climax of shocking violence and death.