Gotthold Ephraim Lessing Books

According to Greek mythology, Laocoon was a Trojan priest who, along with his two sons, offended the gods. As punishment, the three were strangled by sea serpents. The discovery in 1506 of an ancient Greek sculpture showing the three figures in their death agony not only gave rise to renewed interest in the classical period but also created repercussions in the art world. It was this work of art that German dramatist and critic Gotthold Lessing used as a point of reference for his essay Laocoon. Originally published in 1766, Lessing's inspired meditation on the distinguishing characteristics of painting and poetry became a turning point in the study of Western art. His essay on the origins, forms, and influences of these art forms aided in framing modern conceptions of the artistic medium and helped establish modernist views of the uniqueness of the individual arts. A breakthrough vision in aesthetics, Laocoon is essential reading for anyone interested in poetry, art history, and the fine arts.

"Nathan the Wise" by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing is a compelling play that advocates for religious tolerance and the acceptance of all humanity, emphasizing the importance of understanding and coexistence among different faiths.

Selected for its cultural significance, this work contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. It is recognized by scholars for its importance in understanding historical and societal contexts, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the evolution of human thought and culture.

This publication focuses on making historical works accessible to individuals with impaired vision through large print. Megali, the publishing house behind this initiative, specializes in reproducing these significant texts, ensuring that important literature remains available to a wider audience.

Featuring 112 fables that convey moral lessons, this collection showcases the storytelling talents of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing through both prose and verse. The narratives, populated by animal characters, explore themes of life, morality, and human behavior, making them timeless classics in German literature. Originally published in 1887, this facsimile reprint preserves the cultural significance of the work while aiming to make it accessible to modern readers. Ideal for those interested in fables and morality tales, it remains a valuable resource for study and enjoyment.

Die Sinngedichte thematisieren die Beziehung zwischen dem Leser und dem Autor, wobei der Autor Klopstock lobt und gleichzeitig die Frage aufwirft, ob dessen Werke tatsächlich von allen gelesen werden. Es wird ein Wunsch geäußert, weniger erhaben, dafür zugänglicher und ansprechender für die Leser zu sein. Die Gedichte reflektieren somit über die Literatur und die Erwartungen an Autoren und Leser in einem anregenden Dialog.