Goethe's Faust: the original German and a new translation and introduction by Walter Kaufmann

Bookmarked and added cover page. First published January 1, 1808. This edition published December 4, 1962 by Anchor. This work is the most famous play in all German literature. It was published in two parts. Part 1 is very dramatic and tells the main story. Part 2 is extremely long and it is meant to be read rather than acted out on stage. It is about Goethe's philosophy as well as about history and politics. This play is a retelling of the Faust legend which was very famous in Germany. The legend tells of a man called Faust who is tired of studying and wants to have the greatest possible happiness. The devil (usually called Mephistopheles, as he is in Goethe's play) tells Faust he can help him to do this, but that in the end Faust will have to give him his soul and go with him to hell. Faust makes a pact (an agreement) with Mephistopheles who promises him all his soul can wish for -- fine living, gold, women and honor. Faust signs the pact with his blood. Faust uses magic in the hope that it will tell him everything about life. However, in the end Mephistopheles wins his bet Goethes Faust reworks the late medieval myth of a brilliant scholar so disillusioned he resolves to make a contract with Mephistopheles. The devil will do all he asks on Earth and seeks to grant him a moment in life so glorious that he will wish it to last forever. But if Faust does bid the moment stay, he falls to Mephistopheles and must serve him after death. In this first part of Goethes great work, the embittered thinker and Mephistopheles enter into their agreement, and soon Faust is living a rejuvenated life and winning the love of the beautiful Gretchen. But in this compelling tragedy of arrogance, unfulfilled desire, and self-delusion, Faust heads inexorably toward an infernal destruction.

this Is A Reproduction Of A Book Published Before 1923. This Book May Have Occasional Imperfections Such As Missing Or Blurred Pages, Poor Pictures, Errant Marks, Etc. That Were Either Part Of The Original Artifact, Or Were Introduced By The Scanning Process. We Believe This Work Is Culturally Important, And Despite The Imperfections, Have Elected To Bring It Back Into Print As Part Of Our Continuing Commitment To The Preservation Of Printed Works Worldwide. We Appreciate Your Understanding Of The Imperfections In The Preservation Process, And Hope You Enjoy This Valuable Book.

The best translation of "Faust available, this volume provides the original German text and its English counterpart on facing pages. Walter Kaufmann's translation conveys the poetic beauty and rhythm as well as the complex depth of Goethe's language. Includes Part One and selections from Part Two