Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Books

The most comprehensive one-volume collection of Goethe's writings ever published in English The Essential Goethe is the most comprehensive and representative one-volume collection of Goethe's writings ever published in English. It provides English-language readers easier access than ever before to the widest range of work by one of the greatest writers in world history. Goethe's work as playwright, poet, novelist, and autobiographer is fully represented. In addition to the works for which he is most famous, including Faust Part I and the lyric poems, the volume features important literary works that are rarely published in English--including the dramas Egmont, Iphigenia in Tauris, and Torquato Tasso and the bildungsroman Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, a foundational work in the history of the novel. The volume also offers a selection of Goethe's essays on the arts, philosophy, and science, which give access to the thought of a polymath unrivalled in the modern world. Primarily drawn from Princeton's authoritative twelve-volume Goethe edition, the translations are highly readable and reliable modern versions by scholars of Goethe. The volume also features an extensive introduction to Goethe's life and works by volume editor Matthew Bell. Includes: Selected poems Four complete dramas: Faust Part I, Egmont, Iphigenia in Tauris, and Torquato Tasso The complete novel Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship A selection from the travel journal Italian Journey Selected essays on art and literature Selected essays on philosophy and science An extensive introduction to Goethe's life and works A chronology of Goethe's life and times A note on the texts and translations

Goethe's travel letters offer a vivid portrayal of his experiences in Switzerland and Italy during the late 18th century. Through personal reflections, he explores the culture, people, and landscapes, while also discussing literature, philosophy, and politics. The collection includes sketches that enhance the narrative, providing readers with a visual connection to his journey. This work serves as both a historical document and a rich literary resource, appealing to those interested in Goethe's insights and the cultural heritage of these two European countries.

Rich selection of the poet's verse—from his earliest, "An den Schlaf," written at 18, to his last great poem, "Verdächtnis," written at 80. English translations by Stanley Appelbaum.

Focusing on Goethe's lyric poetry, this collection explores its evolution as a cohesive whole through a selection of both famous and lesser-known poems. The translations prioritize capturing the essence of Goethe's diverse meter in verse form, while avoiding the constraints of traditional rhyme that can lead to a stilted feel. The aim is to provide English speakers with a comprehensive view of Goethe as both an individual and a poet, showcasing the richness of his work.

Set in 16th-century Brussels, the play centers on Count Egmont, a nobleman who becomes embroiled in a rebellion against Spanish rule, driven by his love for Clara and his desire for freedom. As tensions escalate, Egmont faces increasing danger from the Spanish Inquisition, ultimately leading to his arrest and execution. Themes of political oppression, individual freedom, and the quest for justice are deeply explored, making this work a significant piece of German literature that has inspired various adaptations and continues to resonate today.

The book is recognized for its cultural significance and contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. It has been reproduced from the original artifact, preserving its authenticity, including copyright references and library stamps. This attention to detail ensures that readers can appreciate the historical context and the work's importance in the literary canon.

Goethe's early plays bear witness to his urgent desire to enliven German theater--an ambition that followed him to the National Theater in Weimar, where he was named director in the early 1790s. This volume contains eight of these plays, written between 1771 and 1787. Not only do they demonstrate Goethe's unprecedented versatility in experimenting with new forms of dramatic expression, but they also give insight into his development from Sturm und Drang to classicism. These works include prose plays (Goetz von Berlichingen with the Iron Hand and Egmont), tragedies and comedies (Clavigo, Stella, and Brother and Sister), and dramatic verse forms (Prometheus, Jery and Betty, and Proserpina).

»Kennst du das Land, wo die Zitronen blühn, im dunkeln Laub die Goldorangen glühn …« Eine Reise nach Italien galt im 17. und 18. Jahrhundert als unverzichtbarer Bestandteil der Erziehung junger Männer aus gutem Hause. Beschwerliche Kutschfahrten führten sie nach Florenz, Venedig, Rom und Neapel. Künstler folgten ihnen bald, und so führte 1786 bis 1788 auch Johann Wolfgang von Goethe die Sehnsucht gen Süden. Goethes Italienische Reise vermittelt sehr lebendig seine tiefe Begeisterung, schildert aber auch einen bereits gut organisierten frühen Tourismus. Nur siebzig Jahre später hielten erste Fotografen Stationen der Grand Tour auf silberbeschichteten Platten fest. Carlo Naya (1816–1882) oder dem, wie Goethe, aus Frankfurt am Main stammenden Giorgio Sommer (1834–1914) gelangen ungemein poetische Ansichten von Markusplatz, Kolosseum, Rauch spuckendem Vesuv und schönen Fischerinnen auf Capri. – Zeigen die träumerischen Bilder uns, was Goethe sah? Der Band im XL-Format stellt Goethe-Zitate den entsprechenden Fotografien gegenüber.

Goethe's influential text, newly illustrated with stunning color photographs.