Beschreibung:

GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832). Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre. Ein Roman . Berlin: Johann Friedrich Unger, 1795-1796. First edition, first printing of Goethe's second novel which had a tremendous influence on European literature: '[it] is an outstanding example of the German Bildungsroman' (Garland, Oxford Companion to German Literature ), and is composed of 4 volumes divided into 8 books. During the course of the novel, the eponymous Wilhelm is persuaded to support a troupe of actors (Book II) and is introduced to the plays of Shakespeare (Book III). In Book V, a performance of Hamlet is planned, and there is an extensive critical discussion of the play. The threads of the complex and multi-facted narrative are drawn together in Book VII, where it is revealed that Wilhelm has been watched over by a secret society 'die Gesellschaft vom Turm' and that his 'apprenticeship' ( Lehrjahre ) has been completed and he has been admitted master ( Meister ). The final Book VIII concludes with Wilhelm's marriage, but also deals with the subjects of incest and suicide, and Goethe engineers a sequel by the secret society informing Wilhelm that he must undertake a period of travelling. This was published under the title Wilhelm Meisters Wanderjahre (see lot 171). The present work 'contains eight of Goethe's finest songs, "Kennst du das Land", "Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt", "Heiß micht nicht reden, heiß mich schweigen", and "So laßt mich scheinen, bis ich werde" (sung by Mignon), "Wer nie sein Brot mit Tränen aß", "Wer sich der Einsamkeit ergibt", "An die Türen will ich schleichen" (sung by the harper), and "Singt nicht in Trauertönen" (sung by Philine). Also included are the ballad Der Sänger and the satirical poem 'Ich armer Teufel, Herr Baron'" (Garland, Oxford Companion to German Literature ). 8 music scores are found in the present work. Hagen 221 (14/3, 14/4, 14/5, 14/6). 4 volumes, 12mo (148 x 90mm). 8 engraved folding music scores (1 music score with repair). Contemporary black mottled paper-covered boards, red paper gilt spine labels, spine tooled in gilt at head and tail, red edges (a near-fine copy with only fraint rubbing to extremities, most heavy to upper joint of vol. I). Provenance : Harald Pedersen (bookplates).