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Goethe's Faust is a classic of European literature. Based on the fable of the man who traded his soul for superhuman powers and knowledge, it became the life's work of Germany's greatest poet. Beginning with an intriguing wager between God and Satan, it charts the life of a deeply flawed individual, his struggle against the nihilism of his diabolical companion Mephistopheles. Part One presents Faust's pact with the Devil and the harrowing tragedy of his love affair with the young Gretchen. Part Two shows Faust's experience in the world of public affairs, including his encounter with Helen of Troy, the emblem of classical beauty and culture. The whole is a symbolic and panoramic commentary on the human condition and on modern European history and civilisation. This new translation of both parts of Faust preserves the poetic character of the original, its tragic pathos and hilarious comedy. In addition, John Williams has translated the Urfaust, a fascinating glimpse into the young Goethe's imagination, and a selection from the draft scenarios for the Walpurgis Night witches' sabbath - material so ribald and blasphemous that Goethe did not dare publish it.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have collected over the years dozens, yes I mean DOZENS, of translations of Faust as well as knowing my favourite passages in German with some help from parallel translations. This translation is as good, and perhaps better than any of them even though there have been many good ones since the unrhymed Louis MacNiece for Faber (chosen for the first Radio3 broadcast in 1949) and the deftly and wittily rhymed Philip Wayne for Penguin.
I came across it completely by accident not expecting for a moment that the Wordsworth edition would contain a new original version. Usually Wordsworth use out of copyright texts that go as far back as the early 19thc like their Dante and Homer but in this case they have really done everyone a big favour since none of the translations done before 1945 would do justice to Faust for the modern reader and this one is a very valuable addition to the many distinguished modern translations.
It was chosen for the excellent Radio production in Sept. 2010 with Samuel West, which was only the third time it has been done. It will be repeated in the Summer of next year. Part Two was condensed but Part One was complete.
I'm only sorry that there isn't a hardback available, on good paper. Perhaps 'Wordsworth' might be equally enterprising in this area. Williams deserves it.
I came across it completely by accident not expecting for a moment that the Wordsworth edition would contain a new original version. Usually Wordsworth use out of copyright texts that go as far back as the early 19thc like their Dante and Homer but in this case they have really done everyone a big favour since none of the translations done before 1945 would do justice to Faust for the modern reader and this one is a very valuable addition to the many distinguished modern translations.
It was chosen for the excellent Radio production in Sept. 2010 with Samuel West, which was only the third time it has been done. It will be repeated in the Summer of next year. Part Two was condensed but Part One was complete.
I'm only sorry that there isn't a hardback available, on good paper. Perhaps 'Wordsworth' might be equally enterprising in this area. Williams deserves it.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
btw this is the best translation out there, not literal translation, but conveys the exact meaning in rhyme, which makes it very much comparable to the original german rhyme.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found this very entertaining to read. It is written aesthetically, (and this is maintained in the translation, not that I have read the original German), and is an engrossing story. I'm sure that there are many allusions and philosophical parables to be found in close study of the text, but I just found it an enjoyable read without having to take it too seriously. Mephistopheles is a brilliant comic character, but there are also subtle insights into the depth of his evil as well. The minimalism of the characters other than Mephistopheles and Faust is stylish and makes the story all the more memorable in retrospect. Reading this makes me feel that all stories should be written in verse, if only the authors were skillful enough. Even though I have only studied Shakespeare at the usual school level, I can see what might be Shakespearian influences or things that remind me of Shakespeare; perhaps this was in places done on purpose by Goethe as a tribute to Shakespeare.
As far as I can tell, the translator has done a miraculous job. One of my favourite lines in the play is:
"But write it all down, concentrating
As if it were the Holy Ghost dictating!"
As far as I can tell, the translator has done a miraculous job. One of my favourite lines in the play is:
"But write it all down, concentrating
As if it were the Holy Ghost dictating!"
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good content, bad paper/binding!
The book is a must on anybodys read-list but this is printed on very bad paper, and it almost fell apart after I had read it. Read more
Published 11 months ago by BigMan
lost in translation?
The book is in very good condition and arrived quickly, as usual!
The content itself is wonderful aside from a slightly over-modern translation for my taste. Read more
The content itself is wonderful aside from a slightly over-modern translation for my taste. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Joanne
what a book?!?
this book is absolutely classic but also quite befudddling. you will love the scene of the walpurgisnacht because it is sooo graphic and real.
Published on 18 May 2005 by "eowyn_16"
Inspried Actor
A beautiful piece of literature, and one that is still relevant today. I have performed this work and I can truly say that the writing in it is skillful and inspiring. Read more
Published on 2 Feb 2004 by E. Porter-daniels
The greatest piece of Western Literature
Certainly, the sixty years Goethe spent writing volumes I & II paid off. Unlike Shakespeare, there is a moral lesson which sums the human experience regardless of one's actual... Read more
Published on 12 Jun 2003 by "walkingondiamonds"
Would the real Faust please stand up?
Having read Marlowe's Faustus, I already had a picture of the fabled Doctor's exploits in mind as I started reading. Read more
Published on 10 July 2000
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