Johann Wolfgang von Goethe | Die Leiden des jungen Werther, Leipzig, 1744

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Die Leiden des jungen Werther. Erster theil (-zweiter theil) Leipzig: Wegandschen Buchhandlung, 1774

Karl Wilhelm von Breidenbach. Berichtigung der Geschichte des jungen Werthers. Frankfurt and Leipzig, 1775

Friedrich Nicolai. Freuden des jungen Werthers, Leiden und Freuden Werthers des Mannes. Berlin, Friedrich Nicolai, 1775

Lorenz Konau. Ein Schauspiel in einer Handlung. Altona: David Iversen, 1776

4 works in one volume, 8vo (140 x 87mm.), first title-page with engraved device, second part title-page with woodcut device, title-pages to other works with woodcut devices, woodcut headpieces and initials throughout, p.39 misnumbered p.36, errata on final verso of book two, modern tan morocco gilt, patterned endpapers, edges gilt, first title-page shaved at fore-edge, Berichtigung der Geschichte shaved at foot, extremities slightly bumped

FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE of Goethe's classic of romantic angst, The Sorrows of Young Werther. This novel in two parts was written within three months, from March to May 1774. The first part is in the form of letters dated from May until September 1771; the second, in which a fictitious narrator takes up the story, is dated from October 1771 to December 1772. The letters are written by Werther, the sensitive outsider for whom the world has no place, to his friend Wilhelm, who figures as a contrasting character. Die Leiden des jungen Werthers achieved astonishing success at the time of its publication, making Goethe famous overnight and generating many imitations.

This copy is bound with a series of 'Wertheriads', a genre developed following the publication of Goethe's work, in part characterised by a protagonist with a pessimistic disposition, and often a theme of unhappy romantic love. These include Friedrich Nicolai's infamous satirical re-write of Goethe's work from the previous year, probably the best-known Wertheriad.

LITERATURE:

Hagen, Goethe 80; Goedeke IV 237-3